Longest Tennis Matches: 12 Unforgettable Showdowns

• Duration: 11 hours and 5 minutes
• Result: John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut 6–4, 3–6, 6–7(7–9), 7–6(7–3), 70–68 in the first round.

The Isner vs. Mahut match at Wimbledon in 2010 is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis matches in history.

This marathon contest took place in the first round of the men's singles event and spanned over three days, from June 22 to June 24, 2010.

The match involved American player John Isner and Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, and it became an epic battle that captivated tennis fans around the world.

• Duration: 6 hours and 36 minutes
• Result: Kevin Anderson defeated John Isner 7–6(8–6), 6–7(5–7), 6–7(9–11), 6–4, 26–24 in the semi-finals.

In another memorable Wimbledon match, Kevin Anderson faced John Isner in the 2018 semi-final. Anderson eventually won 7–6(6), 6–7(5), 6–7(9), 6–4, 26–24.

The fifth set alone lasted for 6 hours and 36 minutes, contributing to a total match time of 6 hours and 36 minutes.

The 2018 Wimbledon semifinal between Kevin Anderson and John Isner was a match for the ages! Both players held serve virtually throughout the entire encounter, with break points at a premium.

The first two sets went to tiebreaks, and Anderson edged out Isner in both, winning 7-6 (6), 6-7 (5).

• Duration: 5 hours and 53 minutes
• Result: Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7(5–7), 7–5 in the final.

Another epic encounter took place in the 2012 Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Djokovic prevailed with a score of 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7(5), 7–5.

The match lasted for 5 hours and 53 minutes, making it the longest Grand Slam final at the time.

The 2012 Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal was a true tennis masterpiece, etching itself in history as one of the greatest Grand Slam matches ever played. 

• Duration: 5 hours and 31 minutes
• Result: Gilles Muller defeated Ivo Karlovic 6–7(4–7), 6–7(5–7), 7–6(7–3), 7–6(7–4), 6–8 in a Davis Cup match.

The first set was a marathon affair, lasting a staggering 1 hour and 54 minutes. It was a battle of service holds, with neither player giving an inch on their serve.

Karlovic unleashed 29 aces, but Muller matched him blow for blow, saving all 10 break points he faced.

Finally, in the 23rd game, Muller managed to break Karlovic's serve and win the set 7-6(7).

• Duration: 4 hours and 54 minutes
• Result: Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray 7–6(11–9), 7–5, 2–6, 3–6, 6–2 in the final.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray battled in the 2012 Australian Open semi-final, with Djokovic winning 6–3, 3–6, 6–7(4), 6–1, 7–5. The match duration was 4 hours and 50 minutes.

The first set was a marathon itself, going to a 24-minute tiebreak won by Murray, featuring the longest rally of the tournament (54 shots).

Djokovic fought back, winning the next two sets to level the match and set the stage for a dramatic fifth set.

• Duration: 4 hours and 27 minutes
• Result: Roger Federer defeated Janko Tipsarevic 6–7(5), 7–6(1), 5–7, 6–1, 10–8 in the third round.

Roger Federer faced Janko Tipsarevic in the third round of the 2008 Australian Open, winning 6–7(5), 7–6(1), 5–7, 6–1, 10–8 in a match that lasted for 4 hours and 27 minutes.

Tipsarevic, fueled by aggressive baseline play and his unorthodox one-handed backhand, stunned the crowd by taking the first set 6-7(5).

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Tipsarevic claiming another tiebreak 7-6(1).

Refusing to succumb to the upset, Federer dug deep in the third set. His precision tennis and trademark forehand dominance started to shine through, and he took the set 6-5.

• Duration: 5 hours and 14 minutes
• Result: Rafael Nadal defeated Fernando Verdasco 6–7(4–7), 6–4, 7–6(7–2), 6–7(1–7), 6–4 in the semi-finals.

Rafael Nadal faced Fernando Verdasco in the 2009 Australian Open semi-final, a grueling match won by Nadal with a score of 6–7(4), 6–4, 7–6(2), 6–7(1), 6–4. The duration was 5 hours and 14 minutes.

The next three sets were a rollercoaster of emotions. Nadal edged the third set 7-5, Verdasco dominated the fourth 6-0, and the fifth set became a nail-biting affair.

Both players held serve until 4-4, where Nadal finally managed to break Verdasco's serve and hold his own to win 6-4 and secure his spot in the final.

• Duration: 5 hours and 31 minutes
• Result: Guillermo Coria defeated Arnaud Clement 6–4, 6–4, 2–6, 3–6, 10–8 in the third round.

The final set was a marathon in itself, lasting over three hours. Both players held serve relentlessly, showcasing some incredible saves and breathtaking rallies.

Clement even had a match point at 12-11, but Coria saved it with a stunning forehand winner.

At 18-16, Coria managed to break Clément's serve, securing the victory after an epic battle. The players collapsed on the court, completely drained but victorious.

Not only that but the match broke the record for the most games played in a five-set Roland-Garros match.  

• Duration: 4 hours and 54 minutes
• Result: Gaston Gaudio defeated Guillermo Coria 0–6, 3–6, 6–4, 6–1, 8–6 in the final.

The 2004 French Open final between Gastón Gaudio and Guillermo Coria, was a match etched in clay-court lore for its drama, twists, and unforgettable finish.

Coria lived up to expectations in the first two sets, absolutely demolishing Gaudio 6-0, 6-3. 

Leg cramps began to hamper Coria, slowing him down and sapping his power. Gaudio started dictating rallies with his precise topspin game, winning the next two sets 6-4, 6-1 in dominant fashion.

• Duration: 5 hours and 2 minutes
• Result: Novak Djokovic defeated Stan Wawrinka 1–6, 7–5, 6–4, 6–7(5–7), 12–10 in the fourth round.

The 2013 Australian Open witnessed a grueling battle between Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic in the fourth round.

Djokovic emerged victorious with a scoreline of 1–6, 7–5, 6–4, 6–7(5), 12–10. The match lasted for 5 hours and 2 minutes.

The 2013 Australian Open match between Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka was an absolute epic, etched in tennis history as one of the greatest Grand Slam encounters ever.

Djokovic led their head-to-head 11-2 and had just dismantled Andy Murray in straight sets. Wawrinka was known as a solid player but had not yet broken through at the Slams.

• Duration: 4 hours and 37 minutes
• Result: Andre Agassi defeated Wayne Ferreira 6–2, 6–7(5–7), 6–1, 4–6, 6–4 in the quarterfinals.
• Aces: Agassi - 8, Ferreira - 22
• Double Faults: Agassi - 8, Ferreira - 4
• Total Points Won: Agassi - 149, Ferreira - 144

The Andre Agassi vs. Wayne Ferreira match at the 1996 US Open was a thrilling quarter-final encounter that went down to the wire.

Moreover, it was a match that tested Agassi's mental fortitude and ultimately showcased his championship spirit.

Ferreira served for the match at 5-4, but Agassi managed to break his serve and level the score at 5-5. From there, Agassi took control, winning the next two games to clinch the match 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.

• Duration: 5 hours and 20 minutes
• Result: Bjorn Borg defeated Vitas Gerulaitis 6–4, 3–6, 6–3, 3–6, 8–6 in a Davis Cup match.

Bjorn Borg and Vitas Gerulaitis were prominent tennis players in the 1970s, and they faced each other multiple times during their careers. 

One of their memorable matches occurred in the Davis Cup, a prestigious team competition in men's tennis.

It is worth noting that Davis Cup ties during that era were intense and highly competitive.

Borg, known for his success on various surfaces, and Gerulaitis, a skilled all-court player, would have likely showcased their talents in a Davis Cup setting.