By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday July 18, 2021
Kevin Anderson defeated Jenson Brooksby to become the third oldest champion in Hall of Fame Open history.
Photo Source: Hall of Fame Open
35-year-old Kevin Anderson turned back the clock at the Hall of Fame Open over the weekend. The former World No.5, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, claimed his first title in over two years, defeating 20-year-old Jenson Brooksby of the United States, 7-6(8), 6-4, in two hours and 11 minutes.
It was a special moment for Anderson, a wild card this week in Newport who has had his share of struggles due to injury on the circuit over the last three seasons. He won five consecutive matches for the first time since he claimed the Vienna title in 2018, and became the third oldest champion in Hall of Fame Open history.
“It’s been a pretty tough run with some injuries. But to be back here at the International Tennis Hall of Fame with such history, this couldn’t be a better week for me to start, hopefully, my comeback," Anderson said on court during the trophy ceremony. "I’m very motivated to get back. But it all starts with each match, and I was able to really grind it out.”
Anderson, who climbs from 113 to 74 in the ATP rankings, cracked 16 aces and won 44 of 54 first-serve points against the first-time finalist. It was not an easy victory against Brooksby, a 20-year-old Sacramento, California native that was playing his first ATP final in just his fourth ATP event.
The American became the second youngest finalist in tournament history, and the youngest to reach the final since 1993.
Anderson, who won his seventh ATP title, says he believes that he has the game to get back to the top of the sport and take a crack at winning the biggest titles on offer.
“It’s been a pretty tough run with some injuries,” he said in a Q&A with the ATP. “But to be back here at the International Tennis Hall of Fame with such history, this couldn’t be a better week for me to start, hopefully, my comeback," Anderson said during the trophy ceremony. "I’m very motivated to get back. But it all starts with each match, and I was able to really grind it out.”