In a first-round matchup between John Isner and Nicholas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010, history was made.
Isner and Mahut played, by far, the longest match in Grand Slam history, with the contest lasting 11 hours and five minutes.
The clash between the two, which lasted over three days, ultimately went the way of the American, who defeated his opponent after clinching the fifth set 70-68.
There were 980 total points in the match, 711 of which occurred in the fifth and final set.
Following his victory over the Frenchman, Isner spoke to the media and gave his thoughts on this record-breaking event he had just endured at Wimbledon.
John Isner’s reaction in 2010 after playing the longest match in history at Wimbledon
In his post-match press conference, Isner said: “Yesterday [the second day of the match], I didn’t know what I was thinking out there, especially once the match got past, you know, 25-All.
“I wasn’t really thinking. I was just hitting a serve, and trying to hit a forehand winner is the only thing I was doing.
“Fortunately, that was going in on my service games. He was serving great and hopping around, you know, eight hours into the match, which was remarkable.
“But going out there today, I knew – I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be anything like it was yesterday, although it did take, you know, 10 or so service games to finally get a break.
“I had a feeling it was going to be like that. It wasn’t going to last any more than 20, one way or the other.”
When asked why the match took so long, he said: “I can’t explain that. Obviously, both players were serving – we both served really well.
“That’s the main thing. But even in that case, you can’t even imagine it going past 20-All. I don’t know.
“I guess it was just meant to be or whatever. You know, I mean, in a way, I’m kind of glad it happened, although I am pretty tired. It’s pretty nice to be a part of that match.”
John Isner’s response to being a part of sporting history after beating Nicolas Mahut
The former world number eight continued: “It’s great. I guess something Nic and I will share forever, really.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said five words to the guy prior to our match. Not that he’s a bad guy. It is what it is.
“Now, when I do see him in the locker room at other tournaments, we’ll always be able to share that.
“You know, like I said, I’m kind of glad it happened. Had I won in straight sets, I might be playing right now in my second-round match.”
After his win over Mahut, Isner lost his second-round match against Thiemo De Bakker in just 74 minutes, which at the time was the shortest men’s match in Wimbledon history.
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