Tennis news - Kevin Anderson suffers major upset as Frances Tiafoe knocks out fifth seed

ByBen Grounds

Updated 16/01/2019 at 06:26 GMT

Kevin Anderson was the major casualty at the Australian Open on Wednesday as the unseeded Frances Tiafoe produced the biggest performance of his career to defeat the fifth seed in four sets.

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Anderson swept past Adrian Mannarino in the first round, but his progress was halted as the South African lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 7-5 to the young American.

The Maharashtra Open champion and Wimbledon finalist took a medical time-out mid-way through the encounter but failed to show the necessary signs of recovery as he became the highest ranked player to be ousted from the first major of the year.

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After sealing match point against the South African, Tiafoe slapped his right bicep, thumped his chest and roared at the terraces.

"It means the world to me, I lost to Kevin three times last year. I would love to get to the second week of a Slam and if you guys get behind me like you did again, then it's going to be pretty easy for me," Tiafoe said.

Kevin Anderson shows his frutration during his shock exit

Image credit: Getty Images

The 20-year-old has reached the third round at a major for the second time in his career, having reached the same stage of Wimbledon last year.

Anderson's poor form in Melbourne continued at the Margaret Court Arena, where he has never progressed beyond the fourth round stage in 11 attempts.

Tiafoe, who held serve in his final game from 15-40 down, will take on Andreas Seppi in the next round after the Italian overcame the Australian Jordan Thompson earlier on Wednesday.

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