Sunday 30 August 2015 14:41, UK
Second-seeded Kevin Anderson of South Africa won his first pro title in more than three years when he beat qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4 7-5 in the Winston-Salem Open final on Saturday.
Anderson - a potential US Open quarter-final opponent for Andy Murray - had lost his previous seven ATP World Tour finals, going back to Sydney in 2013.
But the South African seed, who resides from Delray Beach in Florida, soon had the edge in his match-up with surprise package Herbert who was blighted by a leg injury throughout.
Anderson broke the qualifier in the fifth game - and maintained that advantage all the way through the opening set, taking it 6-4.
Into the second, the Frenchman's right thigh continued to bother him but if he was struggling Herbert did not show it, putting in a spirited and determined display.
The world No 140 - at least before the start of hostilities at the Winston-Salem Open - went 40-0 up on Anderson's second service game.
But the big man fought his way back from that precipice - and went on to win 6-4 7-5 in North Carolina.
Anderson will next meet Russia's Andrey Rublev in the first round of the US Open.
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