The Top 10 Longest Men's Matches in Tennis History

By Fan Arch May 16, 2024 05:50

Tennis has seen its fair share of epic battles that have captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the sport.

From marathon five-setters to grueling encounters that push players to their physical and mental limits, the longest men's matches in tennis history have etched their names in the annals of the sport.

Here, we delve into the top 10 longest men's matches, showcasing the endurance, skill, and determination of the players involved.

1. John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut - Wimbledon 2010

Duration: 11 hours and 5 minutes
Score: 6–4, 3–6, 6–7(7–9), 7–6(7–3), 70–68

The iconic first-round match at Wimbledon 2010 between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut holds the record for the longest tennis match in history. Lasting over three days, the match saw both players push themselves to the limit, with Isner eventually emerging victorious in the fifth set with a staggering score of 70–68.

2. Fabrice Santoro vs. Arnaud Clément - French Open 2004

Duration: 6 hours and 33 minutes
Score: 6–4, 6–3, 6–7(5–7), 3–6, 16–14

The all-French encounter between Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clément at the French Open in 2004 is the second-longest match in tennis history. Lasting well over six hours, the match showcased the tenacity and endurance of both players, with Santoro prevailing in the fifth set after a grueling battle.

3. Leonardo Mayer vs. João Souza - Davis Cup 2015

Duration: 6 hours and 42 minutes
Score: 7–6(7–4), 7–6(7–5), 5–7, 5–7, 15–13

The Davis Cup encounter between Leonardo Mayer and João Souza in 2015 goes down as one of the longest matches in tennis history. Lasting over six hours, the match featured relentless rallies and a display of unwavering determination from both players, with Mayer ultimately clinching victory in the fifth set.

4. Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. Fabrice Santoro - French Open 2009

Duration: 6 hours and 24 minutes
Score: 6–3, 6–4, 6–7(5–7), 4–6, 16–14

Another epic encounter involving Fabrice Santoro makes the list, this time against Philipp Kohlschreiber at the French Open in 2009. Lasting over six hours, the match showcased the mental and physical fortitude of both players, with Santoro once again emerging victorious in the fifth set after an intense battle.

5. Horst Skoff vs. Mats Wilander - Davis Cup 1989

Duration: 6 hours and 4 minutes
Score: 6–7, 7–6, 1–6, 6–4, 9–7

The Davis Cup marathon between Horst Skoff and Mats Wilander in 1989 remains one of the longest matches in tennis history. Lasting over six hours, the match featured intense baseline rallies and a grueling battle of attrition, with Skoff eventually prevailing in the fifth set after an epic contest.

6. Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal - Australian Open 2012

Duration: 5 hours and 53 minutes
Score: 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7(5–7), 7–5

The titanic battle between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the final of the Australian Open 2012 goes down as one of the most physically demanding matches in tennis history. Lasting close to six hours, the match showcased the incredible athleticism and mental strength of both players, with Djokovic emerging triumphant in the fifth set.

7. John McEnroe vs. Mats Wilander - Davis Cup 1982

Duration: 6 hours and 22 minutes
Score: 9–7, 6–2, 15–17, 3–6, 8–6

The Davis Cup encounter between John McEnroe and Mats Wilander in 1982 is remembered as one of the classic marathon matches in tennis history. Lasting over six hours, the match featured intense drama and exceptional shot-making, with McEnroe eventually prevailing in the fifth set after an epic battle of wills.

8. Boris Becker vs. John McEnroe - Davis Cup 1987

Duration: 6 hours and 21 minutes
Score: 4–6, 15–13, 8–10, 6–2, 6–2

The Davis Cup clash between Boris Becker and John McEnroe in 1987 stands as one of the enduring epics in tennis history. Lasting over six hours, the match showcased the mental and physical resilience of both players, with Becker ultimately emerging victorious in the fifth set after an enthralling contest.

9. Stan Wawrinka vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas - French Open 2019

Duration: 5 hours and 9 minutes
Score: 7–6(8–6), 5–7, 6–4, 3–6, 8–6

The enthralling encounter between Stan Wawrinka and Stefanos Tsitsipas at the French Open 2019 goes down as one of the longest matches in recent tennis history. Lasting over five hours, the match showcased the shot-making prowess and mental fortitude of both players, with Wawrinka eventually prevailing in the fifth set after a grueling battle.

10. Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer - Wimbledon 2008

Duration: 4 hours and 48 minutes
Score: 6–4, 6–4, 6–7(5–7), 6–7(8–10), 9–7

The iconic Wimbledon 2008 final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer rounds off the list of the top 10 longest men's matches in tennis history. Lasting close to five hours, the match showcased the rivalry and sheer determination of both players, with Nadal emerging victorious in an epic fifth set.

These marathon encounters stand as testament to the physical, mental, and emotional demands of professional tennis, captivating fans and etching the names of the players involved in the annals of the sport's history.

With each match pushing the boundaries of endurance and skill, these epic encounters have left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing the unwavering determination and resilience of the players who etched their names in tennis history through these grueling battles.

Whether it's the relentless baseline exchanges, the mental fortitude on display, or the sheer will to outlast the opponent, these matches embody the essence of tennis as a sport that demands nothing short of absolute commitment, determination, and skill from its players.