Kevin Anderson to step out of retirement in Newport, 14 months after hanging up racquet

In May 2022, Kevin Anderson revealed in a lengthy message on social media that he was stepping away from a career on the ATP Tour.

Fourteen months later, the former two-time Grand Slam finalist has decided to come out of retirement.

On Friday, the Infosys Hall of Fame Open announced Anderson had accepted a wild card to play the longstanding 250 grass-court event. As it stands, Newport, R.I. is the site of the South African’s most recent triumph when he raised his seventh career trophy in July 2021.

“I couldn’t think of a better place to make my comeback, and I’m excited to hit the grass once again,” Anderson said in a statement.

Now 37, Anderson will resume with a 354-253 record. After pursuing the college route at the University of Illinois, Anderson later reached No. 5 in the world, finishing runner-up at the 2017 US Open and 2018 Wimbledon. Five years ago at the All England Club, Anderson rallied from two sets down to stun defending champion Roger Federer 13-11 in a fifth set, then backed that marathon quarterfinal win up with an even longer epic semifinal victory, prevailing 26-24 over John Isner.

Two separate right knee surgeries in September 2019 and February 2020 were the latest in a string of health woes that slowed Anderson down. Prior problem areas included his right shoulder and elbow, as well as the left knee.

The Delray Beach, Fla. resident last competed at the 2022 Miami Open as a 92nd-ranked lucky loser, falling to Juan Manuel Cerundolo. He is 6-1 in his two previous Newport appearances.