Longest Tennis Match Ever: John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut
The longest professional tennis match in a Grand Slam tournament ended on Thursday, July 24, after lasting for 11 hours and 5 minutes. The match carried out for three days and both John Isner and Nicolas Mahut were exhausted. In the end, Isner defeated Nicolas in the deciding the set by a score of 70-68. The match was later inducted in the Guinness Book of World Record’s as it was the longest professional match in tennis history. Isner, the 19th seed built a record for most number of aces served. With a whopping figure of 112 aces in three days, it was no mean feat to say the least. Although Nicolas lost the match, he achieved 500 points that would help him in making his ranking a little better.
As play resumed on the third day at 59-59 tie, both players kept standing firm on the court and played some amazing shots all across the court. Both the players though exhausted from earlier play, kept on striking the ball to each other’s corner finding a gap to score. The crowd went enthusiastic on seeing such a marvellous display of game from the two athletes. After the match ended, both the players were rewarded and Guinness officially announced certificates to both players. The match will be recorded as one of the most terrific matches in the history of tennis. Nicolas Mahut was playing some extraordinary ground shots as compared to John Isner, whereas Isner was dominating the French with his powerful strokes and persistent energy. As Isner got ready to serve the final set on Thursday with a 59-59 tie, the game swiftly changed for the American. Mahut quickly started playing strokes all over the court; a double fault by Isner put him in a tight situation in the match. Isner soon started to ease his nerves and played some stunning shots. After playing a backhand winner, Isner closed the match with his 96th ace of the match.
Both the players started feeling frustrated with such a long match. Isner on a few occasions hit himself with a racquet due to the frustration. In game number 130, when Isner missed an opportunity that could have ended the match, he hit his leg in anger. He also lost control over himself when he failed to surpass Nicolas Mahut’s defence repeatedly. Isner’s frustration grew as an advantage for the French lead to a decisive battle. He began to pick momentum and held a lead of 68-67 which was later surpassed again by Isner. Isner took back the lead from Mahut after winning the next two games and sealed victory with a match winning shot in game number 138. The epic battle that looked as a marathon at last ended in a dramatic way. Both players played their best career games and received a huge round of applause from the crowd.
After the match ended, umpire Mohamed Lahyani said that it was great to be in a match like this. It was an extraordinary match and there could never be a match like this in tennis again. He also said that all the credit goes to the players who refused to forfeit the match and kept on playing. Their stamina was overwhelming, though they were tired but still they didn’t let the crowd feel it and kept on banging the shots around the court.
Isner later told that he felt great to be a part of such an epic match. He also said that it feels hard to see someone losing in such a thrilling match, but its all part of the game. Mahut, although depressed with his defeat, said that Isner played a champions game and he is happy for him as he deserved this victory. The day looked rough for Mahut as later in the day, he again made his way back to the court for his doubles match with partner Arnaud Clement. John Isner will play his second round match against Netherlands Thiemo De Bakker. It would be a tough match for the American as Clement himself looks in top form as he won his first round match 16-14 in the fifth set.
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