What is the Longest 5-Set Tennis Match?
Tennis is a popular sport that tests athletes’ physical and mental endurance. From the Australian Open to the US Open, the world’s best tennis players compete in grueling matches that can last up to five sets. But which five-set match holds the record for the longest duration?
The longest five-set match on record is the 2020 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final, in which Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem lasted for five hours and 53 minutes. This record-breaking match was a nail-biter that went to a final tie-break in the fifth set, where Djokovic emerged as the victor.
Let’s take a closer look at the longest 5-set tennis match in history and see what makes it so special.
What is a 5-Set Match?
In tennis, a match consists of sets. A set is a series of games that are played in order to determine a winner. The number of sets in a match depend on the tournament and can range from one set to five sets.
In a five-set match, the first player to win three sets is the winner. Each set is typically played until a player wins 6 games, with a margin of at least two games. If the score of a set is 6-6, the set is decided by a tie-break. A tie-break is a single game in which the first player to 7 points wins the set.
Novak Djokovic vs. Dominic Thiem at the 2020 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final
The 2020 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final was an epic match between two of the world’s best tennis players: Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem. This match began on the evening of February 2 and lasted for five hours and 53 minutes, making it the longest 5-set match in history.
The match was an incredible display of skill and endurance as both players stayed on the court for nearly six hours. Djokovic eventually emerged as the victor, winning 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The Longest Sets of the Match
The longest sets of the match were the second and fourth sets. The second set lasted for 35 minutes, while the fourth set lasted for 45 minutes.
The second set was particularly interesting as both players had multiple chances to win the set. Djokovic had a chance to break Thiem’s serve at 4-4, but Thiem managed to hold. Thiem then had a chance to break Djokovic’s serve at 5-5, but Djokovic managed to hold.
In the end, the set was decided by a tie-break, which Djokovic won 7-3.
The Final Set
The fifth and final set of the match was a nail-biter that lasted for an hour and 50 minutes. Both players had multiple chances to break the other’s serve, but neither was able to take advantage.
Eventually, the set was decided by a tie-break, which Djokovic won 7-3. With this win, Djokovic was declared the winner of the match and the 2020 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final.
Notable Records Set by the Match
The 2020 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final between Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem set several records. Here are some of the most notable records:
- Longest 5-Set Match – The match lasted for five hours and 53 minutes, making it the longest 5-set match in history.
- Longest Second Set – The second set lasted for a record-breaking 35 minutes.
- Longest Fourth Set – The fourth set lasted for 45 minutes, making it the longest fourth set in a Grand Slam final since 2006.
- Longest Final Set – The fifth and final set of the match lasted for an hour and 50 minutes, making it the longest final set in a Grand Slam final since the 2005 Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final.
What Makes the Match So Special?
The 2020 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final between Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem was an incredible display of skill and endurance. The match was a nail-biter that went to a final tie-break in the fifth set, which Djokovic ultimately won.
The match set several records and demonstrated the dedication of two of the world’s best tennis players. It is sure to go down in history as one of the greatest tennis matches ever played.
Conclusion
The 2020 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final between Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem was an epic match that lasted for five hours and 53 minutes. This grueling match set several records and demonstrated the dedication of two of the world’s best tennis players.
The match is sure to go down in history as one of the longest and greatest tennis matches ever played.