From Champaign to Grand Slam Finals, Anderson honored with Hall of Fame induction
Illini legend Kevin Anderson becomes just the second in Illini tennis history to earn ITA Hall of Fame induction.
TEMPE, Ariz. - Kevin Anderson, who rose from a standout at Illinois to one of the world’s top tennis professionals, will be inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men’s Hall of Fame in May 2026. The ITA announced the Class of 2026 in late July, honoring Anderson as part of a five-member group that includes John Isner, Steve Johnson, longtime Georgia coach Manny Diaz, and contributor John Frierson.
Anderson’s journey to the Hall of Fame spans from his days in Champaign to his rise as a two-time Grand Slam finalist and world No. 5. A native of South Africa, he played for Illinois from 2004 to 2007, helping elevate the Fighting Illini to national prominence. Anderson captured the 2006 NCAA doubles championship alongside Ryan Rowe, reached the NCAA singles semifinals and doubles final in 2007, and led Illinois to a team runner-up finish that same year.
His collegiate honors included three First-Team All-Big Ten selections, the 2007 Big Ten Tennis Athlete of the Year award, and recognition as the Fighting Illini Dike Eddleman Male Athlete of the Year in 2007.
Turning professional after his junior season, Anderson embarked on a career that spanned 16 years. He became the first Illinois alum to reach a Grand Slam singles final, finishing runner-up to Rafael Nadal at the 2017 U.S. Open. The following summer, he returned to the sport’s biggest stage at Wimbledon, reaching the 2018 final after a marathon six-hour, 36-minute semifinal victory over Isner — still the longest Grand Slam semifinal in history. He later fell to Novak Djokovic in the championship match.
At his peak in 2018, Anderson climbed to No. 5 in the world rankings, collecting seven singles titles and one doubles title before retiring from the professional tour in 2022. His final ATP crown came at Newport in 2021, a fitting close to a career defined by resilience and power.
Anderson now joins coach Craig Tiley, inducted in 2010, as the only representatives of Illinois men’s tennis in the ITA Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is scheduled for May 2026 at the University of Georgia, held in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Team Championships.
Since its founding in 1983, the ITA Men’s Hall of Fame has honored more than 270 players, coaches, and contributors. Eligibility requires both collegiate excellence and accomplishments beyond college, criteria Anderson met at every stage of his career.
For Illinois, his induction serves as both recognition of Anderson’s legacy and a reminder of the program’s impact on the broader tennis world.
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