Isner vs Mahut epic – to tiebreak or not to tiebreak?
Tennis is unlikely to again witness a match of the epic proportions that John Isner and Nicolas Mahut served up in their record-breaking first round match at Wimbledon.
However, their 11 hour and five minute marathon has inevitably raised the question of whether a tiebreak should be introduced in the fifth set at the Grand Slams.
Had that been the case, this battle of wills that ultimately spanned three days and 183 matches would never have taken place. Few who were glued to the match courtside on their televisions would have preferred it to have been denied the drama of the eight hour and 11 minute final set.
The players themselves will forever be remembered for their remarkable feats of endurance and concentration in a match that was played out over three days, but the exertions of winning that match have surely condemned eventual winner Isner to defeat in the second round of the tournament.
He’s etched his name in the record books at the All England Club this year, but in doing so has without too much doubt ensured any aspirations of playing a part in the second week of the action have fallen by the wayside.
They are aspirations too that 23rd seed might reasonably have held when he stepped onto court for his match against Mahut on Tuesday afternoon.
So: to tiebreak or not to tiebreak in the fifth set at a Grand Slam?
Roger Federer, who won the Wimbledon final against Andy Roddick last year in a 16-14 fifth set, is one who favours the status quo.
“I think it's perfect the way it is. It's unfortunate these guys are going to be a little bit tired tomorrow and the next day and the next week and the next month,” the defending champion told the media as Isner and Mahut were still embroiled in their titanic struggle out on court 18.
It’s a view shared by British No. 1 Andy Murray, who told reporters after winning his second round match in straight sets that, “I think the rules here are very good. They work well. You know, it [the Isner and Mahut match] was a huge, huge story for everybody yesterday and really good for the sport. So keep it as it is.
“Like everybody has been saying, it will never happen again unless they play next year maybe.”
Indeed, the fact this match was so unique in its longevity provides one very good reason for leaving the rules untouched.
Perhaps though the last word on the matter should go to Isner, who was asked in his post-match press conference whether he’d like to see matches decided with a fifth set tiebreak.
“I don't think so,” the 23rd seed responded. “Nothing like this, it won't happen again. Not even come close, so...I think just keep it the same.”
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