Kevin Anderson, a former Wimbledon finalist from South Africa, has announced his retirement at the age of 35 from professional tennis. Anderson, who is noted for his powerful serve, has reached the finals of two Grand Slam tournaments, the 2017 US Open and the 2018 Wimbledon.

In 2018, he ranked fifth in the world, which was a career best. "I'm so thankful for the wonderful things that have come my way because I was a part of this sport," he tweeted.

"As a kid, my dad used to tell me that success isn't defined by results, but by the effort and sacrifice you make along the way in becoming the best you can be. I gave it my best."

Anderson won seven ATP Tour tournaments throughout his 15-year professional career, but was twice denied one of the sport's most prestigious championships by greats of the men's game.

Anderson fell to Rafael Nadal of Spain in the US Open final before losing to Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the All England Club. The South African advanced to the Wimbledon final by winning the second-longest match in Wimbledon history, defeating American John Isner in a six-hour and 36-minute semi-final.

Anderson reached those Grand Slam finals despite overcoming a slew of injury issues in 2016, which saw him fall to the bottom of the world's top 100 rankings.

"I've experienced so many different challenges and emotions; this sport can be exhilarating and at the same time lonely," he said.

"I've had ups and downs, but I wouldn't change it for anything. My journey helped me become the man who I am today."