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S.Africa hails Anderson’s shock defeat of Federer
JOHANNESBURG, July 12, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – President Cyril Ramaphosa on
Thursday led South Africa in congratulating Kevin Anderson after he
sensationally knocked Roger Federer out of Wimbledon to become the first
South African to reach the semi-finals in 35 years.
The 32-year old Anderson defeated defending champion Federer in a five-set
thriller that lasted slightly more than four hours.
“Congratulations to Kevin Anderson for reaching the men’s singles semi-
finals,” Ramaphosa tweeted on Thursday.
Anderson became the first South African in the Wimbledon semi-finals since
Kevin Curren in 1983 and just the sixth in history.
“We have always considered him an ambassador and he continues to wave the
flag. We are very excited,” Mickey Modisane, the sports ministry spokesman,
told AFP.
“From a social cohesion and nation-building perspective, it’s a great
achievement for South Africa.”
“Over 3 hours these two men gave their all to stay alive. Fight,
determination, hunger… you name it they showed it all,” tweeted South
African cricketer Morne Morkel, who was in the crowd of spectators at
Wimbledon.
Eighth seed Anderson will play American ninth seed John Isner on Friday for
a place in Sunday’s final.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1507 hrs