Top five longest men's singles matches at Wimbledon

The longest Grand Slam match was played at Wimbledon.

Wimbledon has witnessed several incredible duels between several legends of the sport. The Championship is known as the most prestigious competition in tennis history and has provided several remarkable stories over the years. The longest Grand Slam match in tennis history was also produced in SW19.

From Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova to Serena Williams, these legends have faced many ups and downs at the All England Club but have managed to win the tournament in their way. The grass-court Slam not only produces the greatest clashes but also the most physically excruciating, making it extremely difficult to survive.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five longest men’s singles matches at Wimbledon.

5. Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer (2018 Wimbledon, 4 hours and 48 minutes)

The 2008 Wimbledon final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer is one of the greatest tennis matches ever.

Nadal stormed to an early lead by winning the first two sets, but Federer fought back heroically, saving championship points in two electrifying tiebreaks to force a deciding set.

In a battle filled with breathtaking rallies and nerve-shredding tension, the Spaniard finally broke Federer’s serve and sealed victory, collapsing in joy on the grass. The win ended Federer’s 40-match Wimbledon winning streak and marked a dramatic, emotional passing of the torch on Centre Court.

4. Greg Holmes vs Todd Witsken (1989 Wimbledon, 5 hours 28 minutes)

Greg Holmes and Todd Witsken’s second-round encounter in 1989 held the Wimbledon record for the longest match for over two decades, clocking in at 5 hours and 28 minutes.

Holmes eventually won 14–12 in the fifth set after the match was suspended overnight due to darkness. The physical and mental strain was evident, as Holmes was unable to progress further in the tournament, but the match serves as a reminder of the sheer tenacity and unpredictability of Wimbledon.

3. Marin Cilic vs Sam Querrey (2012 Wimbledon, 5 hours 31 minutes)

The 2012 third-round showdown between Marin Cilic and Sam Querrey was a war of attrition, lasting 5 hours and 31 minutes. The match saw both big hitters trading blows deep into the fifth set, with Cilic finally emerging victorious 17-15.

The contest was a testament to both players’ stamina and mental toughness, and it propelled Cilic into the next round, though he would fall to Andy Murray.

2. Kevin Anderson vs John Isner (2018 Wimbledon, 6 hours 36 minutes)

The 2018 Wimbledon men’s semifinals featured two memorable battles, but it was the showdown between Kevin Anderson and John Isner that truly stole the spotlight. This epic contest became the longest semifinal in tennis history, ending dramatically in the 49th game of the deciding set as the two towering former college friends embraced at the net.

The marathon match, featuring two giants, Anderson (6’8″) and Isner (6’10”), ended with a scoreline of 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 26-24, showcasing a clash as colossal as their statures.

1. John Isner vs Nicolas Mahut (2010 Wimbledon, 11 hours 5 minutes)

John Isner rightfully earns the title of tennis’s “Marathon Man” thanks to his unforgettable battles, none more legendary than his record-breaking triumph over Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon.

Not less than a Grand Slam victory in itself, this clash began on 22 June at 6:13 pm BST and finally ended on 24 June at 4:47 pm, stretched across three days due to fading light, and became known as “the endless match.”

Isner triumphed 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68 in a record-breaking 183-game showdown, cementing its place in tennis history as the longest match ever played.

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