Kevin Anderson confirmed on Tuesday that he will continue playing as a South African for the rest of his career. 

Anderson‚ who lost 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (3) to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final on Sunday‚ has dual South African and US citizenship but has committed his loyalty to his country of birth.

‘Yes‚ I am going to play as a proud South African for the rest of my career‚’ he told Jacaranda FM.

Anderson‚ who was born in Johannesburg and is married to American Kelsey O’Neal, has spent most of his adult life and professional career in the US, where he is based.

The 32-year-old has climbed to a career-high ranking of No 5 in the world after reaching the Wimbledon final, and has set his sights on improving that position.

‘It has taken a bit longer than I would have liked to be in the top five but I am happy to be in this position‚’ he said.

‘Now it’s an opportunity to realign my goals and I believe that if I continue the way I am going at the moment, there is no reason why I should not get my ranking even higher.’

Anderson caused a huge upset by beating defending champion Roger Federer in their quarter-final. He then outlasted John Isner in a semi-final that lasted six hours and 31 minutes – the second-longest match in Wimbledon history.

‘Beating Federer was a huge step forward in my career‚’ Anderson said. ‘I proved to myself that I can beat Federer and it gave me a lot of confidence.

‘I got to the final but unfortunately lost, and I hope that I will be back next time and play a better match.’

Photo: Wimbledon.com