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Picture Credit: Twitter

Two-time Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson announced retirement on Tuesday, ending his 15 years of professional career. His 15-year career saw him clash with the best of the game and win seven ATP Tour titles and reach two Grand Slam final. Despite being the lowest-ranked finalist in tournament history, the 6-foot-8 South African was the runner-up with Nadal winning the US Open final in 2017. Later, he faced Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2018.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "tennis carried me far beyond my roots in Johannesburg, South Africa, and truly gave me the world."

"Indeed, it's a difficult decision to announce retirement. I've been through topsy turvy ride and experienced so many different challenges and emotions; this sport can be exhilarating and at the same time lonely," he said in the post.

Anderson played college tennis at Illinois, where he won the 2006 NCAA men's doubles championship and was an All-American for three seasons. In 2007, he helped Illinois to a runner-up finish as a team. After turning pro, Anderson claimed his first tour-level title at home in Johannesburg in 2011.

Anderson delivered some noteworthy performances due to which he reached a certain height, as well. He became the top African in ATP Rankings history (since 1973) and competed in the Nitto ATP Finals in 2018. Later in his career, he struggled with various injuries but overcame them to soar to his most incredible heights.

The 35-year-old remained competitive until his retirement, lifting an ATP Tour trophy last July in Newport. His final match came in March at the Miami Open.

Anderson also thanked his fans and everyone who ever cheered for him in his retirement note.

"I will always appreciate the outpouring of the support you showed me. I am so thankful for the wonderful things that have come my way purely because I was a part of this sport," he concluded.

Off the court, Anderson received the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 2019 and was a longtime member of the ATP Player Council, of which he is currently President.