The longest single game in tennis history was an epic battle between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships. The match lasted 11 hours and five minutes over three days, and the final set alone went on for 8 hours and 11 minutes. This match has become one of the most iconic matches in tennis history, and it is a testament to the endurance and tenacity of both players.
Background on the 2010 Wimbledon Championships
The 2010 Wimbledon Championships were held from June 21 to July 4, 2010. This tournament marked the 134th edition of the Wimbledon Championships, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. It was the third Grand Slam tournament of the year and was played on grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
Background on John Isner and Nicolas Mahut
John Isner is an American professional tennis player who is currently ranked No. 24 in the world. He is known for his powerful serve, which is one of the best in the game. He has won 15 singles titles and two doubles titles in his career.
Nicolas Mahut is a French professional tennis player who is currently ranked No. 101 in the world. He has won seven singles titles and four doubles titles in his career. He is known for his consistency and durability, which enabled him to go toe-to-toe with Isner in the longest single game in tennis history.
The Epic Match
The match between Isner and Mahut began on June 22, 2010, and was expected to be a close contest. However, no one could have anticipated the epic battle that was about to ensue. The match went on for 11 hours and five minutes over the course of three days, with the final set alone lasting 8 hours and 11 minutes. In the end, Isner emerged victorious with a score of 6–4, 3–6, 6–7 (7), 7–6 (3), 70–68.
The Record-Breaking Final Set
The final set of the match between Isner and Mahut was a record-breaking affair. The match went on for 8 hours and 11 minutes, making it the longest single set in tennis history. In the set, Isner had six match points and Mahut had three. Isner eventually won the set 70–68 on his fourth match point.
The Impact of the Match
The epic match between Isner and Mahut had a lasting impact on the sport of tennis. It has become one of the most iconic matches in the history of the sport, and it is a testament to the endurance and tenacity of both players. The match also highlighted the importance of fitness and mental toughness in professional tennis.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath of the match, Isner and Mahut have become close friends and rivals. They have faced each other several times since then, with Isner usually emerging victorious. However, it is the epic match at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships that will always be remembered and revered.
Other Long Matches in Tennis History
The epic match between Isner and Mahut is not the only long match in tennis history. There have been several other matches that have gone on for hours, and some have even lasted for days. Here are some of the longest matches in tennis history:
- Isner vs. Mahut: 8 hours and 11 minutes (final set)
- Goran Ivanisevic vs. Patrick Rafter: 6 hours and 33 minutes (final set)
- Marin Cilic vs. Sam Querrey: 6 hours and 10 minutes (final set)
- Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal: 5 hours and 53 minutes (final set)
- Stefan Edberg vs. Boris Becker: 5 hours and 41 minutes (final set)
Conclusion
The match between Isner and Mahut at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships is the longest single game in tennis history. It was an epic battle that lasted 11 hours and five minutes over three days, and the final set alone went on for 8 hours and 11 minutes. This match has become one of the most iconic matches in tennis history, and it is a testament to the endurance and tenacity of both players.