Oliver Anderson, a former junior tennis champion, is trying to rebuild his career after being banned from professional tennis for match-fixing. Nine months after winning the Australian Open boys' singles title in 2016, Anderson was caught throwing a set during an ATP Challenger tournament. He never received payment for his alleged role and cooperated with police.
Anderson's road back to professional tennis has been unexpected. After the scandal, he spent about five years away from the sport, only picking up a racquet "about five times" before hitting with his brother around Christmas 2023 to keep fit. His head coach, Brent Larkham, was impressed enough by Anderson's level to offer a wildcard for a Futures event, where he won two matches to earn ITF points and entered other tournaments on the third-tier tour.
Anderson traveled to various countries, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Mozambique, signing into tournaments and rebuilding his ranking. He even lifted a title in Angola but is currently assessing his options while recovering from a quad tear.
The 27-year-old hopes to make qualifying at a Grand Slam tournament again. Anderson said that taking a break from tennis was necessary for him as he realized the sport wasn't his true passion. Instead, he turned to another passion - fashion. He operates as a one-man band designing and manufacturing resortwear for independent retailers.
Anderson's journey has taught him maturity quickly after throwing in a towel on his career when faced with the scandal that ruined his prospects of success at tennis.
Anderson's road back to professional tennis has been unexpected. After the scandal, he spent about five years away from the sport, only picking up a racquet "about five times" before hitting with his brother around Christmas 2023 to keep fit. His head coach, Brent Larkham, was impressed enough by Anderson's level to offer a wildcard for a Futures event, where he won two matches to earn ITF points and entered other tournaments on the third-tier tour.
Anderson traveled to various countries, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Mozambique, signing into tournaments and rebuilding his ranking. He even lifted a title in Angola but is currently assessing his options while recovering from a quad tear.
The 27-year-old hopes to make qualifying at a Grand Slam tournament again. Anderson said that taking a break from tennis was necessary for him as he realized the sport wasn't his true passion. Instead, he turned to another passion - fashion. He operates as a one-man band designing and manufacturing resortwear for independent retailers.
Anderson's journey has taught him maturity quickly after throwing in a towel on his career when faced with the scandal that ruined his prospects of success at tennis.
. I mean, you can't just go from being a junior tennis champion to taking a five-year break and then trying to rebuild your career like it's nothing 
. He's gotta be pretty determined to try tournaments in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Mozambique 
. And now he's even got his own fashion line 
? That's some next-level stuff! I think what I admire most about him is that he realized tennis wasn't really his thing and moved on to something he loves. You don't always see people being so proactive about their passions after a setback 
.
. the quad tear kinda threw him off track tho 
, hope he gets back on that court ASAP 
.