A COUPLE GAMES TOO FAR

Something extraordinary took place yesterday, as Wimbledon provided us with an 11-hour match of tennis. John Isner and Nicolas Mahut were out on Court 18 for 3 days, playing out 183 games in total, with 168 consecutive service games held. Records were torn apart as they served out more than 100 aces each, during a hugely entertaining and quite ridiculous match.

What was most impressive to me was the effort and determination shown by the two guys. Even until the very last games, they were still serving at speeds close to 140mph, their rallies continued to be thrilling and the passion on display was superb. I reckon a whole bunch of people will have upped their respect for the game after that one. 11 hours of tennis is a huge period of time, I mean the amount of ground they must have covered is staggering. And yet they each showed courage and despite their fatigue, which should have been unbearable, they continued to play tennis at the highest standard. It was truly awesome.

But what I really wanted to point out was today's result. John Isner the American had come through the match taking the final set 70-68 and his second round tie was today. He lost. In fact, he got destroyed. It lasted 74 minutes compared to 665 minutes against Mahut. Though the tournament goes on without either warriors of the epic encounter, it will always remain in the history books. No match will ever match that one.

LINKS : Wimbledon | John Isner