As the tennis season unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the thrill of the Grand Slam tournaments, which include the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. These prestigious events often produce unforgettable moments, with extraordinarily lengthy matches capturing the imagination of spectators and players alike.
One such match that remains etched in tennis history for its grueling length is the legendary 2010 Wimbledon showdown between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut. This contest, recognized as the longest in the sport’s history, spanned an astonishing 11 hours and 5 minutes across three days. The first-round encounter showcased both players’ endurance, featuring five tense sets that concluded with a staggering 138-point fifth set—an exhausting affair that was made more intense by the fact that Wimbledon did not implement a tiebreak in the final set at that time.
The match commenced on June 22, 2010, but was suspended as daylight faded, leaving the score tied at two sets apiece. Day two brought complications as the scoreboard malfunctioned, eventually ceasing to function entirely while reflecting a score of 47-47. The encounter resumed on June 24, where Isner ultimately triumphed in the final set with a score of 70-68, resulting in a final tally of 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (3), 70-68. This remarkable battle comprised a staggering 980 points, eclipsing the previous record for the longest match by over four hours. In the following round, Isner faced Thiemo de Bakker, but remarkably, that match ended just 74 minutes later, marking it as the shortest men’s match in Wimbledon history at the time.
Fast forward to 2018, and Isner found himself involved in yet another marathon match during the Wimbledon semifinals, this time against Kevin Anderson. This encounter, lasting 6 hours and 36 minutes, is recorded as the second-longest match in Grand Slam history. With 99 games played and three tiebreaks across five sets, the pair engaged in a lengthy and grueling battle. The fifth set lasted nearly three hours and ultimately concluded with Anderson winning 7-6 (6), 6-7 (5), 6-7 (9), 6-4, 26-24. Although Isner was unable to secure a spot in the final, Anderson would ultimately lose to Novak Djokovic. Following this match, the All England Club decided to revise their rules regarding tiebreaks, later implementing a new system for the final set to avoid such extensive play.
In 2004, another memorable long match occurred during the French Open between Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clement. Stretching across two days, the first-round duel lasted 6 hours and 33 minutes. The game was paused due to darkness with the score at 5-all in the third set, and upon resuming the following day, Santoro managed to secure victory with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 3-6, 16-14. This match stood out not only for its duration but also for its number of games—71—the most recorded at the French Open since the introduction of tiebreaks in 1973. Santoro, despite facing challenges such as difficulty breathing during the match, advanced but later fell to Olivier Mutis in the third round.
These marathon matches serve to highlight the physical and mental fortitude required to compete at the highest levels of tennis. As the Grand Slam circuit continues to thrive, fans remain captivated by the stories of resilience and determination displayed by the athletes on the court. Keep an eye on the latest tournament updates and player rankings, as each season brings fresh excitement and unforgettable moments.
