The Longest Tennis Match in History
The longest tennis match in history took place during the 2010 Wimbledon Championships between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut. The match lasted over 11 hours and spanned three days, setting a record for the longest match ever played. It has since become one of the most iconic events in the sport’s history.
The Players
John Isner is an American professional tennis player who achieved a career-high ranking of ninth in the world. He is best known for his big serve and has won 19 ATP singles titles, including the 2011 Paris Masters.
Nicolas Mahut is a French professional tennis player. He achieved a career-high ranking of number 37 in the world and has represented France in the Davis Cup. Mahut is also the owner of three ATP singles titles.
The Match
The match between Isner and Mahut was the first round of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships. It began on June 22nd and lasted until June 24th. The match was played on Court 18, and the final score was 6–4, 3–6, 6–7 (7–9), 7–6 (7–3), 70–68.
The Record
The match was the longest professional tennis match in terms of time ever played, lasting 11 hours and five minutes. It also set records for the most games played (183) and most points (980).
The Fans
The match quickly gained attention from tennis fans around the world due to its length and the heroic performances of both players. By the end of the match, the stands were packed with people cheering them on.
The Reactions
The match elicited many reactions from the tennis world. Roger Federer, who was the defending champion at the time, said he was “glued to the TV” and called it “the most extraordinary match I have ever seen”.
The Prize Money
The match was part of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, and both players received £6,500 in prize money, split evenly between them.
The Aftermath
The match captured the attention of the world and was featured in many newspapers and television shows. It was even featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
The match was also immortalized in many ways. The court on which the match was played, Court 18, was renamed the “Isner-Mahut Court” and a bronze statue of the two players was unveiled in 2011.
The Legacy
The match between Isner and Mahut is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis matches of all time. It has been credited with helping to popularize the sport and inspiring a new generation of players.
The Final Score
The final score of the Isner-Mahut match was 6–4, 3–6, 6–7 (7–9), 7–6 (7–3), 70–68. John Isner was declared the winner after 11 hours and five minutes of play.
Conclusion
The match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut is one of the most iconic events in the history of tennis. It broke records for the longest match ever played and was praised by fans and players alike. It has since been immortalized in many ways, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of tennis players.