Court 18 of the All England Club witnessed 14 years ago the longest match in tennis history. This past Monday was the anniversary of the first round match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut, which It ended 6-4 3-6 6-7 7-6 70-68 in favor of the American. This is because at that time, if tennis players reached the fifth set They had to win by a difference of two gamesa rule that would be gradually modified following this match.
After 11 hours and 5 minutes of play, of which 8 hours and 11 minutes belonged to the last setthe French tennis player ended up succumbing in a match that lasted three days of competition. Obviously, during the match, more records were broken apart from the one for duration. The most striking one was that of highest number of aces, with a total of 216. Obviously Isner lost in the next round, even needing medical treatment during the match.
The Grand Slams are forced to reinvent themselves
This strange case, together with some similar ones later, led the Grand Slams to have to change their regulations in order to protect the players. In 2019, Wimbledon set the limit at 13 games, having to play a super tie break at 10 points if they are tied at that point.
Each Grand Slam established its own particular rules, until in 2022 the four agreed to establish a super tie break at 10 points. when the players are tied at 6 games in the fifth set.
In such a tight calendar and in tournaments where tennis players often have to play two days in a row, the idea of continuing with the old regulations was a utopia. Even so, in our memory remains that match that It already has an unshakeable place in the history books of this sport.
2024-06-30 05:37:23
#years #match #changed #rules #tennis
