In the history of tennis, some matches have transcended the limits of human endurance, becoming epics that defy the imagination, testing the physical and mental strength of the players.
Imagine being on the court for over 11 hours, not knowing when it will end. These epic moments, where fatigue becomes the toughest opponent, have witnessed stories that go beyond the sport.
From the legendary battle between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut to more recent duels, these marathons not only challenge physical limits but remind us that, in tennis, the true victory is knowing how far you can go.
10. Goran Ivanišević vs. Patrick Rafter (2001 Wimbledon)
Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia celebrates in tears after winning against Pat Rafter of Australia in the Men’s Final’s of The All England Lawn Tennis Championship in 2001. (Source: Gary M. Prior/ALLSPORT)
The 2001 Wimbledon semifinal between Goran Ivanišević and Patrick Rafter is another legendary match, lasting 4 hours and 44 minutes. Ivanišević, known for his powerful serve, and Rafter, a grass-court specialist, put on an incredible show of athleticism and skill.
The final score was 6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 2–6, 9–7 in favor of Ivanišević. What made this match particularly memorable was that he, who was having an up-and-down career at the time, showed his true potential and perseverance. After this intense semifinal, Goran went on to win his first and only Wimbledon title.
9. Leonid Stanislavski vs. Michael Westphal (1984 Australian Open)
At the 1984 Australian Open, Leonid Stanislavski and Michael Westphal played one of the longest matches of that era. Lasting 6 hours and 42 minutes, the match was a true endurance test, spanning five sets with the final score being 6–4, 6–4, 3–6, 3–6, 6–4 in favor of Stanislavski.
While not as well-known today, this match was incredibly taxing for both players and showcased the level of physical conditioning required to compete at the highest level. The sheer length and intensity of this encounter make it an important part of tennis history.
8. Tommy Haas vs. Ivo Karlovic (2009 Memphis Open)
The match between Tommy Haas and Ivo Karlovic at the 2009 Memphis Open was another epic contest of endurance, lasting 4 hours and 31 minutes. It was decided by tie-breaks in all three sets, showcasing the equal skill and determination of both players.
The final score was 6–7(4), 7–6(6), 7–6(6) in favor of Haas. This encounter is particularly memorable for the high number of aces served by both players, making it a classic duel of power serves. It is often remembered for the mental strength required to navigate through three consecutive tie-breaks, each one a critical moment in the match.
7. John Isner vs. Paul-Henri Mathieu (2012 Roland Garros)
Paul-Henri Mathieu of France celebrates victory in his men’s singles second round match against John Isner of USA during day 5 of the French Open in 2012. (Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The match between John Isner and Paul-Henri Mathieu in the second round of Roland Garros 2012 was a clash that would be etched in tennis history. Lasting 5 hours and 41 minutes, it became one of the longest matches in the history of the French tournament.
Both players, completely exhausted after so many hours of play, seemed to be on the edge of their physical endurance. The rallies stretched out, but neither of them would yield on their serve. The fifth set turned into a mental battle, where the smallest mistake could decide the outcome.
With the score at 18-16, Mathieu finally managed to break Isner’s serve at the most crucial moment, taking the victory after a battle that, beyond the score, was a display of endurance and determination. The match was not only a showcase of technical skill and serving power, but also an exhibition of mental strength.
6. Vicki Nelson vs. Jean Hepner (1984 Central Fidelity Banks International)
The 1984 Central Fidelity Banks International women’s match between Vicki Nelson and Jean Hepner is remembered as one of the most bizarre and fascinating contests in tennis history.
The match, which was played in Richmond, Virginia, became famous for the longest rally in tennis history — a rally that lasted 29 minutes and consisted of 643 strokes.
The final score of the match was 6-4, 7-6(11) in favor of Vicki Nelson, but what really stood out about this encounter was the incredible endurance and focus required for that marathon rally. The point was so long that both players had to continually dig deep into their stamina and mental concentration, making it an iconic moment in tennis history.
5. Lorenzo Giustino vs. Corentin Moutet (2020 French Open)
Corentin Moutet of France plays a forehand during his Men’s Singles first round match against Lorenzo Giustino of Italy on day two of the 2020 French Open. (Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
At the 2020 French Open, Italian Lorenzo Giustino and Frenchman Corentin Moutet engaged in a match that became one of the longest singles matches ever in the history of Roland Garros. The match lasted a total of 6 hours and 5 minutes, with Giustino eventually winning the grueling encounter 0-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(3), 2-6, 18-16.
The match is particularly noteworthy because it was Giustino’s first win in a Grand Slam main draw, making it even more significant in his career. Both players demonstrated incredible physical endurance and mental toughness as the match stretched into its decisive final set, which ended in a nail-biting 18-16 scoreline.
4. Fabrice Santoro vs. Arnaud Clément (2004 French Open)
Arnaud Clement of France returns in his first round match against Fabrice Santoro of France during Day Two of the 2004 French Open Tennis Championship. (Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The 2004 French Open produced one of the most grueling and memorable matches in tennis history between two French players, Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clément.
This match took place in the first round and is known for its extreme length and tension. The final score was 6-4, 6-3, 6-7(5), 3-6, 16-14, with Santoro eventually emerging victorious after 6 hours and 33 minutes of play.
The match was not just long, but also showcased the skill and mental toughness of both players. Santoro, known for his unique playing style and incredible touch, was able to maintain his concentration through a match that spanned two days, with the final set reaching a remarkable 16-14 scoreline.
This match set a French Open record for the longest singles match, and although it wasn’t quite as long as some of the other notable matches in history, it was considered a classic due to the fact that it was played between two homegrown players in a Grand Slam.
3. Leonardo Mayer vs. João Souza (2015 Davis Cup)
Leonardo Davis at the David Cup 2015. (Source: @ESPNtenis)
In the 2015 Davis Cup, during the first-round tie between Argentina and Brazil, a truly epic clash occurred between Leonardo Mayer and João Souza. This match, which became one of the longest in tennis history, lasted an incredible 6 hours and 43 minutes, showcasing the intense rivalry between the two South American nations.
Mayer, representing Argentina, eventually triumphed in a 5-set thriller, with the final score reading 7-6(4), 7-6(5), 5-7, 5-7, 15-13. The match was notable not only for its sheer length but also for the high level of drama and tension throughout.
This encounter became the third longest match in tennis history. It was a true testament to both players’ endurance, but also highlighted the passion and competitive nature of Davis Cup tennis.
2. Kevin Anderson vs. John Isner (2018 Wimbledon)
Kevin Anderson of South Africa celebrates his victory over John Isner of The United States after their Men’s Singles semi-final match on Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in 2018. (Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The 2018 Wimbledon semifinal between Kevin Anderson and John Isner is perhaps one of the most famous and widely discussed matches in the history of the sport, not just because of its length but also due to the incredible resilience of both players. The match lasted an astonishing 6 hours and 36 minutes, becoming the longest semifinal in Wimbledon’s history.
Kevin, the South African powerhouse, defeated Isner with a 7-6(6), 6-7(5), 6-7(9), 6-4, 26-24 scoreline. The match was a giant serving contest, with both players hitting huge serves throughout, making it incredibly difficult for either to break serve.
What made this match even more remarkable was the physical toll it took on both players. By the end, both Anderson and Isner were visibly exhausted, but Anderson, having survived an early match-point opportunity in the final set, managed to find the strength to close out the match.
1. John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut (2010 Wimbledon)
John Isner poses after winning on the third day of his first round match against Nicolas Mahut with Chair Umpire Mohamed Lahyani on Day Four of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in 2010. (Source: Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
When John Isner and Nicolas Mahut faced off in the first round of Wimbledon in 2010, no one anticipated they were about to play the longest match in tennis history. Spanning three days, the match lasted an astonishing 11 hours and 5 minutes. Isner eventually triumphed with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, and an incredible 70-68 in the fifth set.
This epic encounter shattered multiple records and provided unforgettable moments. Both players demonstrated superhuman stamina, competing through 183 total games. The match concluded on the third day when Isner finally broke Mahut’s serve, ending a battle that will forever be remembered in the tennis world.
