2010 Wimbledon: John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut

The 2010 Wimbledon first-round match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut is etched in tennis history as the longest match ever played. Lasting an astonishing 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days, this epic battle featured five sets, including a 138-point fifth set. The match was halted twice due to darkness, and the scoreboard even stopped working on the second day. On the third day, Isner clinched the victory with a 70-68 final set. The match totaled 980 points, with 711 points in the fifth set alone. Isner's triumph was short-lived, as he lost his next match in just 74 minutes, the shortest men's match in Wimbledon history at that time.

2018 Wimbledon: Kevin Anderson vs. John Isner

John Isner found himself in another marathon match at the 2018 Wimbledon semifinal against Kevin Anderson. This match lasted 6 hours and 36 minutes, featuring 99 games and three tiebreakers over five sets. The fifth set alone lasted nearly three hours, making it the longest Centre Court match in history. Anderson emerged victorious with a 7-6 (6), 6-7 (5), 6-7 (9), 6-4, 26-24 scoreline. This match prompted the All England Club to implement a rule change: tiebreaks would be played if the final set reached 12-all. In 2022, all Grand Slam tournaments adopted a 10-point tiebreak when the final set reaches 6-6.

2004 French Open: Fabrice Santoro vs. Arnaud Clement

The 2004 French Open first-round match between Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clement was another marathon encounter, lasting 6 hours and 33 minutes across two days. The match was halted at 5-all in the third set due to darkness. On the second day, Santoro defeated Clement 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 3-6, 16-14. This match featured the most games (71) in the French Open since tiebreaks were introduced in 1973. Santoro, despite breathing difficulties, went on to win his next match before bowing out in the third round.

Conclusion

These matches not only tested the physical and mental limits of the players but also captivated tennis fans worldwide. They remain a testament to the endurance and resilience required in professional tennis. For more in-depth coverage and analysis of tennis, be sure to follow ESPN's comprehensive tennis coverage.