by Pirate Irwin
LONDON - South Africa's 2018 Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson says despite a succession of injury problems in recent years he "never felt in" his "heart" his career was over.
The 35-year-old has battled knee problems over the past two years but set those setbacks and poor recent form on grass aside to beat Chilean Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on Monday.
ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic overcomes Wimbledon scare to get record pursuit off to winning start
Anderson, whose ranking has slipped from the heady days of being five in the world to 102, has the daunting task of playing world number one Novak Djokovic in the second round, a repeat of their 2018 Wimbledon final.
However, the big serving Anderson says even in the dark days these sort of matches and his own desire kept him going.
"I never really thought of quitting," he said.
"The uncertainty because of the injuries made it more about frustration coming through.
ALSO READ: Grass is greener for Wimbledon spectators after year's absence
"I never felt in my heart I was through, the moment when that happens will be on my own terms."
Anderson, also a finalist at the 2017 US Open, says he has a positive outlook on the future.
"I feel great, I have a terrific team and support around me which has helped me through to where things are right now.
ALSO READ: Stefanos Tsitsipas: Wimbledon star who was 'just a few breaths from dying'
"I am very optimistic looking forward to the months and years ahead.
"There have been some tough moments in the last couple of years but the desire has always been there and I still love playing."
Anderson said he felt good after his victory and came as a relief.
"The body feels alright after playing four sets," he said.
"There are always little bits and pieces going on but nothing major which is great.
ALSO READ: Defending champion Halep ’really down’ as she withdraws from Wimbledon
"I am really pleased with the performance as I have had a tough few weeks on grass with some losses.
"So to turn that around there are a ton of positives and I am really happy with that and pleased to get through the match."
Anderson said he would focus on the Djokovic match on Tuesday and he just wanted to enjoy Monday's victory.
However, he said despite the one-sided nature of Djokovic's title win in the 2018 final (6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) he had the belief in himself he can defeat the Serb when they meet.
ALSO READ: US Open champion Dominic Thiem out of Wimbledon with wrist injury
"One of the biggest things that these guys (Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal) possess is self belief," he said.
"Often they have won their matches before they set foot on the court.
"I know what it takes to play these guys and I have a lot of self belief in myself.
"Novak is a fighter and the match will not be easy but I look forward to the challenge."
AFP