Tennis - Anderson belts down 49 aces in first-round win

FILE PHOTO: Aug 15, 2021; Mason, OH, USA; Kevin Anderson (RSA) reacts after defeating Steve Johnson (USA) during the Western and Southern Open tennis tournament at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Former finalist Kevin Anderson fired down 49 aces to defeat Czech Jiri Vesely 7-6(1) 4-6 3-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4) in the first round on Monday, stunning spectators at the U.S. Open.

The 6'8" power server rattled off 17 aces in the final set alone, the last one coming on match point. The South African broke into wide grin in his moment of triumph before hoisting his arms aloft.