Kevin Anderson returned to competition this week for the first time since reaching the final of the US Open.
The 31-year-old wants to qualify for the ATP Tour Finals, having jumped to 11th in the standings with a run at Flushing. The Top 8 players qualify for the season showstopper.
And with two players in front sidelined for the rest of the season, Anderson is ninth among the field looking for a spot in London, just 100 points behind current No. 8 Sam Querrey.
"It's a big goal," Anderson told ATP media in a TV interview at Tokyo, where he is playing this week.
He wants to use the momentum he has from the US Open, saying, "I think being in the finals and getting that experience was very important. But also just a very memorable week... A lot of motivation."
The tour veteran took a break following the US Open, but has also been practicing.
"It was interesting. We were dealing with the hurricane that went through Florida, which was obviously pretty tough to see," said Anderson, who went with his wife to Chicago. "My in-laws live there, and we had a really enjoyable week. Went down to a Cubs game, watched some of the golf, [Lake Forest PGA]...
"Then back home and back training."
That's because he knows being a Grand Slam finalist won't get him any wins unless he keeps up his level, saying, "Nobody's just going to hand me a match because of me making finals."
Anderson was upset by Ryan Harrison in Tokyo on Wednesday. His next tournament will be the Shanghai Masters.
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