Rising Star Kevin Anderson Joins Washington Kastles July 8-11

Six-foot-eight South African is currently ranked a career-high No. 23 in the world.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 28, 2013 – One of tennis’ brightest stars has joined the game’s greatest franchise. Six-foot-eight Kevin Anderson will represent the defending Mylan World TeamTennis champion Washington Kastles in their first four matches of the season July 8-11.
Anderson is coming off fourth-round appearances at the French Open and Australian Open, catapulting him to a career-high ranking of No. 23 in the world. He is through to the third round at Wimbledon this week following a pair of straight-set victories, facing only one break point along the way.
The South African power hitter played for the Sacramento Capitals in 2012, leading them to the WTT Finals as a league rookie.
Though the Kastles defeated the Capitals 20-19 in the championship match, Anderson nearly knocked off Washington single-handedly. With his ferocious serve in full flight, Anderson defeated 2012 WTT Male MVP Bobby Reynolds 5-3 in singles and teamed with Mark Knowles to beat Reynolds and Leander Paes 5-2 in doubles.
“Playing in last year’s finals, I saw for myself the energy and the passion of the Kastles players and fans,” said Anderson. “So I jumped at the chance to join the team, and I can’t wait to get started on July 8.”
The 27-year-old Anderson comes to the Kastles in the midst of the hottest stretch of his career. He is 27-11 in singles this season on the ATP World Tour, reaching the fourth and fifth finals of his career at Sydney and Casablanca respectively.
Anderson also picked up his third Top 5 win along the way, beating World No. 4 David Ferrer at Indian Wells. He previously defeated then-No. 4 Andy Murray at Montreal in 2011 and then-No. 3 Novak Djokovic at Miami in 2008.
“With his history of success individually and on a team, Kevin Anderson will be a perfect fit for the Kastles,” said team owner Mark Ein. “Our fans saw first-hand last season how good Kevin is, but he will look even better wearing red and blue long into the future.”
Kastles coach Murphy Jensen will field a trio of talented men’s players when the Mylan WTT season kicks off. Fans of the team can expect to see Anderson, Reynolds and Paes all in the lineup July 8-11 as Washington puts its 32-match unbeaten run on the line.
With victories at home over the New York Sportimes on July 8 and the Boston Lobsters on July 9, the Kastles would own the longest winning streak in major U.S. pro sports history.
Following a road match in Dallas on July 10, it will be a battle between big servers when Anderson takes on former World No. 1 Andy Roddick of the Springfield Lasers on July 11 at Kastles Stadium.
Anderson and Roddick have split four career matches on the ATP World Tour, with the new Kastle winning their most recent meetings at Delray Beach in 2012 and Beijing in 2011.
Seats to see Anderson’s three home matches at Kastles Stadium are available at Ticketmaster.com.
For exclusive Kastles news, ticket information and player updates, follow the team at www.washingtonkastles.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/washkastles, and on Twitter at twitter.com/washkastles.
—B. Brandt