Novak Djokovic’s second round 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-4 loss to South African Qualifier Kevin Anderson in Miami is not only a monumental upset, but also a major statement for NCAA College tennis.  While most tennis players are opting to skip College to hit the Tour, Anderson proves that at least spending a few years on the NCAA circuit can help build much needed strength and match toughness. 

The former Illinois star didn’t win the National Collegiate Singles title last season, dropping a 7-6, 5-7, 6-3 decision to Virginia’s Somdev Devvarman.  So what does that say about NCAA tennis; to see a non-NCAA singles champion go out less then one year later and take down the hottest player in men’s tennis? It proves that these former college players can hang with anyone.  Just ask Amer Delic (former Illinois star) and the Georgia Bulldog Jon Isner, who are both safely in the top 115 on tour, and rising. 

Of course the Bryan Twins come to mind; they are making Stanford University proud as quite possibly the best pro doubles team of all time, and Harvard’s James Blake is making a legendary name for himself.  The list of college tennis player success stories is endless, from John McEnroe to Brad Gilbert to Todd Martin.

It’s exciting to see this movement from former college players; it can only help the sport, and potentially inspire young Americans to rise to the challenge (as Isner has done). 

What makes this most interesting is that such players as Anderson have lost matches at #2, and #3 on their respective college lineups, and months/years later they are beating Grand Slam Champions such as Djokovic; it’s mind boggling, but if you take some time to watch a top Conference dual match in the PAC-10, SEC, ACC, Big East, Big 12 or Ivy League — to name a few — you’ll see that they are battling at a pro level, just as Kevin Anderson. 

As for the significance of this match on the ATP tour;  No one saw this result coming, NO ONE, especially due to Novak’s recent rise to Grand Slam stardom at the Australian Open and his latest victory at the Pacific Life Open.  In a way this loss in Miami could serve as a good wake up call for Novak, in his quest for another major title in 2008. 

It’s no mystery that Djokovic doesn’t lack confidence, as exhibited by his recent impersonations/mocking of fellow tennis players; some critics believe that he has “too much confidence.” 

The recent loss to Anderson is nothing short of humiliating; as Novak entered as the undisputed defending champion in Miami, only to lose to a rookie outside of the top 115.  This result will give Novak much needed metal fire leading into the French Open in the up coming weeks. 

The Serbian plays best when he has something to prove, he showed this by beating Nadal in the Pacific Life Semifinals last week, getting revenge on Rafa for a straight set defeat at the 2007 Masters Cup in China.  Kevin Anderson hands Djokovic the first major setback of his season, and let’s look at the upcoming Roland Goland results to determine if this upset serves as a blessing in disguise for the Serbian star.

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