Top 10 Longest Tennis Matches

In this blog we will know about Longest Tennis Matches

#Duration(hh:mm)WinnerLoserEventRoundScore
111:05(3 days)United States John IsnerFrance Nicolas Mahut2010 Wimbledon1R6–4, 3–6, 6–7(7–9), 7–6(7–3), 70–68[2]
207:01Czech Republic Czech Republic(Tomáš BerdychLukáš Rosol)Switzerland Switzerland(Stanislas WawrinkaMarco Chiudinelli)2013 Davis Cup1R6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–7(3–7), 24–22[3]
306:43Argentina Argentina(Leonardo Mayer)Brazil Brazil(João Souza)2015 Davis Cup1R7–6(7–4), 7–6(7–5), 5–7, 5–7, 15–13
406:36South Africa Kevin AndersonUnited States John Isner2018 WimbledonSF7–6(8–6), 6–7(5–7), 6–7(9–11), 6–4, 26–24[4]
506:33(2 days)France Fabrice SantoroFrance Arnaud Clément2004 French Open1R6–4, 6–3, 6–7(5–7), 3–6, 16–14
606:31United States Vicki NelsonUnited States Jean Hepner1984 Central FidelityBanks International1R6–4, 7–6(13–11)[5]
706:22United States United States(John McEnroe)Sweden Sweden(Mats Wilander)1982 Davis CupQF9–7, 6–2, 15–17, 3–6, 8–6(before tiebreak era)
806:21Germany Germany(Boris Becker)United States United States(John McEnroe)1987 Davis CupPO4–6, 15–13, 8–10, 6–2, 6–2(before tiebreak era)
906:20Argentina Argentina(Lucas Arnold KerDavid Nalbandian)Russia Russia(Yevgeny KafelnikovMarat Safin)2002 Davis CupSF6–4, 6–4, 5–7, 3–6, 19–17
1006:15Argentina Argentina(José Luis Clerc)United States United States(John McEnroe)1980 Davis CupF6–3, 6–2, 4–6, 13–11(before tiebreak era)
1106:09(2 days)The Bahamas Mark KnowlesCanada Daniel NestorSweden Simon AspelinAustralia Todd Perry2006 WimbledonQF5–7, 6–3, 6–7(5–7), 6–3, 23–21
1206:05Italy Lorenzo GiustinoFrance Corentin Moutet2020 French Open1R0–6, 7–6(9–7), 7–6(7–3), 2–6, 18–16[6]
1306:04Austria Austria(Horst Skoff)Sweden Sweden(Mats Wilander)1989 Davis CupQF6–7(5–7), 7–6(9–7), 1–6, 6–4, 9–7
1406:01Canada Canada(Harry Fritz)Venezuela Venezuela(Jorge Andrew)1982 Davis CupSF16–14, 11–9, 9–11, 4–6, 11–9(before tiebreak era)
1505:53Serbia Novak DjokovicSpain Rafael Nadal2012 Australian OpenF5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7(5–7), 7–5

1. John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut – 2010 Wimbledon – 11:05 (3 days) – Top Most Longest Tennis Matches

John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut - 2010 Wimbledon - 11:05 (3 days) - Top Most Longest Tennis Matches

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The match played by John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at the 2010 Wimbledon tournament is the longest tennis match ever recorded, lasting for 11 hours and 5 minutes across 3 days. The first round match began on June 22, 2010, and continued until June 24, 2010, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England.

Due to the physical and psychological toll the protracted encounter inflicted on both players, Court 18 has earned the nickname “Court of Misery.” Due to the overwhelming number of games played, the match’s original best-of-five-sets format was altered to a best-of-three format for the decisive set.

The final score was 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (3), 70-68 in favor of Isner, with a total of 183 games played. Both players broke numerous records during the match, including the most aces in a match (Isner with 113) and the most games in a set (138 in the fifth set).

The contest was a titanic exhibition of fortitude, talent, and sportsmanship, with both participants displaying great perseverance and dedication over the torturous 3-day struggle. It is still regarded as one of the most remarkable tennis matches in history and serves as evidence of the extraordinary physical and mental toughness needed to compete at the highest level of the game.

2. Tomáš Berdych and Lukáš Rosol vs. Stanislas Wawrinka and Marco Chiudinelli – 2013 Davis Cup – 7 hours, 1 minute – Second Most Longest Tennis Matches

Tomáš Berdych and Lukáš Rosol vs. Stanislas Wawrinka and Marco Chiudinelli - 2013 Davis Cup - 7 hours, 1 minute - Second Most Longest Tennis Matches

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The match played by Tomáš Berdych and Lukáš Rosol of the Czech Republic against Stanislas Wawrinka and Marco Chiudinelli of Switzerland in the 2013 Davis Cup is one of the longest doubles matches ever recorded, lasting for 7 hours and 1 minute. The match was played on September 14 and 15, 2013, at the Palexpo indoor arena in Geneva, Switzerland.

The contest was the doubles rubber between Switzerland and the Czech Republic’s Davis Cup World Group playoff match. Two of the top singles players in the world, Berdych and Rosol, made up the Czech team, while Wawrinka, who had just advanced to the US Open quarterfinals a few days previously, was a member of the Swiss team.

From the beginning to the end of the game, both teams traded blows and wouldn’t concede a single inch. Over an hour was spent on just the opening set, which the Swiss team ultimately won in a tiebreaker. The Swiss team tied the match by taking the fourth set after the Czech team battled back and won the second and third sets.

The fifth and final set proved to be an epic battle, lasting for over 2 hours and 30 minutes. Both teams had opportunities to win the match, but it was the Swiss team who eventually prevailed, winning the set 24-22 and the match 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 24-22.

3. Leonardo Mayer vs. João Souza – 2015 Davis Cup – 6 hours, 43 minutes – Third Most Longest Tennis Matches

Leonardo Mayer vs. João Souza - 2015 Davis Cup - 6 hours, 43 minutes - Third Most Longest Tennis Matches

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The match played between Leonardo Mayer of Argentina and João Souza of Brazil in the 2015 Davis Cup is one of the longest singles matches ever recorded, lasting for 6 hours and 43 minutes. The match was played on May 8-9, 2015, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Argentina and Brazil were playing in the Davis Cup World Group playoff match, and the game was the first rubber. Both players gave it their all in the gruelling contest, which lasted from beginning to end. The clay court on which the match was played increased the physical demands on both athletes.

Mayer prevailed in a tiebreaker to win the opening set, but Souza fought back to win the following two sets. By winning the fourth set in a tiebreaker, Mayer forced a fifth set, and the fifth set turned out to be an epic contest that lasted for more than two hours.

Mayer eventually emerged victorious, winning the fifth set 15-13 to take the match 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 5-7, 5-7, 15-13. The match featured long rallies, incredible shot-making, and an incredible display of endurance and mental toughness from both players.

The match set a new record for the longest Davis Cup singles match in terms of time, surpassing the previous record of 6 hours and 22 minutes set by John McEnroe and Mats Wilander in 1982. It was a memorable match that will be remembered by fans of both countries for years to come.

4. Kevin Anderson vs. John Isner – 2018 Wimbledon – 6 hours, 36 minutes – Fourth Most Longest Tennis Matches

Kevin Anderson vs. John Isner - 2018 Wimbledon - 6 hours, 36 minutes - Fourth Most Longest Tennis Matches

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The match played between Kevin Anderson of South Africa and John Isner of the United States in the 2018 Wimbledon men’s singles semifinals is one of the longest tennis matches in Wimbledon history, lasting for 6 hours and 36 minutes. The match was played on July 13, 2018, on Centre Court at the All England Club.

Both players’ endurance and mental toughness were on full display during the game. The encounter was characterised by drawn-out, tiresome service games between Anderson and Isner, who are both recognised for their strong serves and huge forehands. Isner won the first of the first three sets that went to tiebreaks, while Anderson won the next two.

The fourth set, which lasted more than an hour and a half, was the longest of the entire game. Isner hung on despite Anderson’s numerous attempts to break his serve, forcing another tiebreak. Isner won the tiebreak to bring the match to a fifth and final set.

The final set was also a marathon, lasting for over two hours. Neither player could break the other’s serve, and the match went to a tiebreak. Anderson eventually prevailed in the tiebreak, winning it 7-6 (8-6) to take the match 7-6 (6), 6-7 (5), 6-7 (9), 6-4, 26-24.

The match set a new record for the longest semifinal in Wimbledon history, as well as the longest match in Wimbledon history in terms of games played (the final score was 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 26-24). Anderson went on to play in the final, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

5. Fabrice Santoro vs. Arnaud Clément – 2004 French Open – 6 hours, 33 minutes (across 2 days) – Fifth Most Longest Tennis Matches

Fabrice Santoro vs. Arnaud Clément - 2004 French Open - 6 hours, 33 minutes (across 2 days) - Fifth Most Longest Tennis Matches

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The match played between French tennis players Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clément in the fourth round of the 2004 French Open is one of the longest tennis matches in French Open history, lasting for 6 hours and 33 minutes across two days. The match was played on May 31 and June 1, 2004, at Roland Garros in Paris, France.

The contest featured a titanic struggle between two gifted athletes and close friends. Clément was a strong baseliner with a strong serve, whereas Santoro was recognised for his distinctive playing style, which included several spins and slices. Long rallies and outstanding shot-making from both players were features of the encounter.

The match was suspended due to darkness after the fourth set, with the score tied at two sets apiece. When play resumed the next day, both players were clearly exhausted from the grueling match. Santoro eventually prevailed, winning the fifth set 16-14 to take the match 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 3-6, 16-14.

The match broke the previous record of 5 hours and 34 minutes set by Fabrice Santoro and Alex Corretja in 2001 as the longest match in French Open history in terms of duration. Santoro advanced further in the competition, where he was defeated by Gastón Gaudio in straight sets.

The match is remembered as one of the most memorable matches in French Open history, and it showcased the incredible resilience and determination of both players.

6. Vicki Nelson vs. Jean Hepner – 1984 Central Fidelity Banks International – 06 hours 31 minutes – Sixth Most Longest Tennis Matches

Vicki Nelson vs. Jean Hepner - 1984 Central Fidelity Banks International - 06 hours 31 minutes - Sixth Most Longest Tennis Matches

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The match played between Vicki Nelson and Jean Hepner in the 1984 Central Fidelity Banks International is one of the longest tennis matches in history, lasting for an incredible 6 hours and 31 minutes. The match was played on September 24, 1984, at the Virginia Slims Invitational in Richmond, Virginia.

Two relatively unknown athletes who were both trying to establish themselves in the sport engaged in a fierce competition. Hepner was a deft left-hander from South Africa, and Nelson was an American player known for her aggressive approach.

There were numerous tiebreaks and extended rallies during the match, and neither player was able to significantly outplay the other. The game lasted so long that the players had to take frequent breaks to change out of their sweaty gear and use the loo.

The most memorable moment of the match came during a 29-minute, 643-shot rally in the middle of the match. The crowd was on its feet, cheering both players on as they hit shot after shot, and the rally ended when Hepner hit a backhand winner down the line.

In the end, it was Hepner who prevailed, winning the match 6-4, 7-6 (11-9) in what was at the time the longest women’s singles match ever played. The match remains a legendary moment in tennis history, remembered for its incredible length and the incredible display of determination and skill from both players.

7. John McEnroe vs. Mats Wilander – 1982 Davis Cup – 06 hours 22 minutes – Seventh Most Longest Tennis Matches

John McEnroe vs. Mats Wilander - 1982 Davis Cup - 06 hours 22 minutes - Seventh Most Longest Tennis Matches

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The 1982 Davis Cup match between John McEnroe and Mats Wilander is one of the most legendary matches in tennis history, lasting for an incredible 6 hours and 22 minutes. The match was played on December 19, 1982, at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

Two of the best players in their generation engaged in a gruelling encounter. While Wilander was a reliable and methodical player from Sweden, McEnroe was known for his raging temper and aggressive playing style.

Long rallies and numerous tiebreaks were common during the match, as neither player relented. As the players exchanged shots one after the other, the crowd was totally engrossed in the game.

In the end, it was Wilander who emerged victorious, winning the match 9-7, 6-2, 15-17, 3-6, 8-6. The match was significant for several reasons, as it helped Sweden to win their first Davis Cup title, and it was also a crucial moment in the rivalry between McEnroe and Wilander.

The match is renowned as a great illustration of the extraordinary athleticism, endurance, and mental toughness required to compete at the highest level of professional tennis. It is still one of the longest Davis Cup matches ever played.

8. Boris Becker vs. John McEnroe – 1987 Davis Cup – 06 hours 21 minutes – Most Longest Tennis Matches – Ninth Most Longest Tennis Matches 

Boris Becker vs. John McEnroe - 1987 Davis Cup - 06 hours 21 minutes - Most Longest Tennis Matches - Ninth Most Longest Tennis Matches 

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The 1987 Davis Cup match between Boris Becker and John McEnroe is another epic encounter in tennis history, lasting for an incredible 6 hours and 21 minutes. The match was played on July 17, 1987, at the Hartford Civic Center in Connecticut, USA.

The match was a classic confrontation between two of the greatest tennis players of all time. Becker, a young and powerful player from Germany, was looking to make his mark on the sport, while McEnroe, a veteran of many classic matches, was hoping to show that he still had what it took to compete at the highest level.

The match was a physical and mental battle, with both players refusing to give an inch. The match featured numerous long rallies, multiple tiebreaks, and several controversial calls from the umpire.

In the end, it was Becker who emerged victorious, winning the match 4-6, 15-13, 8-10, 6-2, 6-2. The match was significant for several reasons, as it helped Germany to win their first Davis Cup title, and it was also a crucial moment in the rivalry between Becker and McEnroe.

The match remains one of the longest Davis Cup matches ever played, and it is remembered as a classic example of the incredible skill, athleticism, and mental toughness required to compete at the highest level of professional tennis.

9. Lucas Arnold Ker and David Nalbandian vs. Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin – 2002 Davis Cup – 6 hours 20 minutes – Tenth Most Longest Tennis Matches

 Lucas Arnold Ker and David Nalbandian vs. Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin - 2002 Davis Cup - 6 hours 20 minutes - Tenth Most Longest Tennis Matches

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The 2002 Davis Cup match between Lucas Arnold Ker and David Nalbandian of Argentina and Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin of Russia is one of the longest and most grueling doubles matches in tennis history, lasting for an incredible 6 hours and 20 minutes. The match was played on September 21, 2002, in Moscow, Russia.

The match was a hard-fought battle between two strong and experienced doubles teams. The Argentine team of Arnold Ker and Nalbandian were known for their powerful serves and aggressive net play, while the Russian team of Kafelnikov and Safin were renowned for their skill and athleticism.

The match featured multiple tiebreaks and numerous long rallies, with both teams refusing to give an inch. The match was played on a slow and heavy clay court, which made it even more physically demanding for the players.

In the end, it was the Argentine team that emerged victorious, winning the match 6-4, 6-7, 5-7, 6-3, 19-17. The match was significant for several reasons, as it helped Argentina to reach the Davis Cup final for the first time in their history, and it was also a crucial moment in the careers of both Nalbandian and Safin.

The match is renowned as a great illustration of the extraordinary athleticism, endurance, and mental toughness required to compete at the highest level of professional tennis. It is still one of the longest Davis Cup matches ever played.

10. José Luis Clerc vs. John McEnroe – 1980 Davis Cup – 6 hours 15 minutes

José Luis Clerc vs. John McEnroe - 1980 Davis Cup - 6 hours 15 minutes

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The 1980 Davis Cup match between José Luis Clerc of Argentina and John McEnroe of the United States is one of the most famous and grueling matches in tennis history, lasting for an incredible 6 hours and 15 minutes. The match was played on September 14, 1980, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Two of the top players of their time squared off in a historic battle. Clerc, a specialist in clay courts, hoped to use the advantage of playing on his home court to defeat McEnroe, a specialist in hard courts. Clerc’s game was favoured by the slow clay court on which the match was played.

Both players fought tooth and nail throughout the lengthy rallies and tiebreaks that made up the match. The Argentine fans, who were fervent in their support of Clerc, contributed to the strong and antagonistic atmosphere that was present during the game.

In the end, it was Clerc who emerged victorious, winning the match 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 2-6, 7-5. The match was significant for several reasons, as it helped Argentina to reach the Davis Cup final for the first time in their history, and it was also a crucial moment in the rivalry between Clerc and McEnroe.

The match is renowned as a great illustration of the remarkable ability, stamina, and mental toughness needed to compete at the highest level of professional tennis. It is still one of the longest Davis Cup matches ever played.

Also check out Top 10 Greatest Female Tennis Players Of All Time

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