Kevin Anderson dismisses Denis Istomin to reach semis – Apia International Sydney 2013
South African number one, Kevin Anderson, triumphed over the Uzbekistani star, Denis Istomin, in straight sets at the Apia International Sydney 2013 on Thursday. He notched up a 6-4, 6-3 victory against his fellow 26-year-old to power into the semi-finals
at this Australian Open lead-up tournament taking place in Sydney, Australia.
The Johannesburg native displayed brilliant skills to outclass Istomin in their first battle against each other. After stealing the show in one hour and 23 minutes, Anderson comfortably set-up a semi-final clash with the French contender, Julien Benneteau.
The South African star commented in a courtside interview after pocketing this match, "It just requires time spent during matches venturing up there more and more often. I think as time goes on I start to feel more comfortable doing that. If you don't hit
a great shot or hit a finishing volley, you're almost like you're a sitting duck at the net sometimes. I think you just have to be very selective when you choose to come to the net."
Anderson high-spiritedly entered the NSW Tennis Centre. He suffered the first blow in the fourth game and fell at 1-3. However, the South African not only quickly recovered in the very next game but got the breakthrough in the ninth game, eventually clicking
the opener with a 6-4 win.
Ranked 36th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Anderson kept momentum rolling in the proceeding set. He drew the first blood in the opening game and took the initial lead. The South African maintained consistency in his game
afterwards and cashed another break chance in the last game, eventually sealing the set by winning six games to three.
Next challenge for Anderson is the Frenchman, who won a bronze medal in London Olympics in the doubles event last season.
"He's playing good, he's a dangerous player with a very big serve but I know I can beat him, so I am confident," the Benneteau commented about the South African challenger after stealing the limelight later that day.
The world number 35, Benneteau halted the American qualifier, Ryan Harrison, in straight sets to set up this meeting.
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