THE LONG GREAT FRIDAY
Anderson beats Isner in the battle of the Marathon Men after SIX AND A HALF HOURS
JOHN ISNER wanted to be remembered in these parts for more than just winning the longest match in tennis history. He is now.
But unfortunately for the big American this time he was on the wrong end of another marathon Wimbledon classic. Kevin Anderson managed to drag himself across the line first and into his firstever SW19 final after two tennis giants served up a mamm o t h last-four clash on Centre Court. The duo played out the longest semi-final and second-longest match in Wimbledon history. And it was six hours and 36 minutes before Anderson could use his last drop of energy to celebrate an unforgettable 7-6 6-7 6-7 6-4 26-24 win.
It was almost two hours longer than Novak Djokovic’s 2013 win over Juan Martin del Potro, which lasted four hours and 44 minutes.
Anderson, who will be the first South African in the men’s final for 97 years, said: “I really feel for John. If I had been on the opposite side I don’t know how I could take playing for so long and coming up short.
“It is a dream come true to be in the final but I hope he can come back stronger soon. I have mixed emotions.”
There were reminders of Isner’s 2010 record-breaker with Frenchman Nicolas Mahut which lasted over 11 hours in total when one fan shouted out “we don’t want it to be 70-68 John,” the score of his final set eight years ago.
This one wasn’t but it was still long enough – two hours and 55 minutes – to provide ammunition for those who believe Wimbledon should follow the US Open and introduce fifth-set tie-breaks.
Anderson (left) said: “I really hope this is a bit of a sign for Grand Slams to change the format for five sets because at the end you don’t feel great out there.”
And it means Anderson, who beat Wimbledon legend Roger Federer in a marathon five-setter in the quarterfinal, will struggle to recover full fitness in time for tomorrow’s final.
The first men’s semi wreaked havoc with Wimbledon’s plans as Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic were left waiting to start the second semi. Djokovic occupied
I don’t know how I’d take playing for so long and coming up short