The Top 10 Longest Games of Tennis at Wimbledon Will Shock You! The First Was Played for Days
Wimbledon. The name alone evokes tradition, prestige, and breathtaking athletic drama. With its crisp white dress code, freshly cut grass courts, and bowls of strawberries and cream, Wimbledon isn’t just a tennis tournament—it’s a cultural institution. But beyond the charm lies the grit. Some of the most grueling, heart-pounding matches in tennis history have unfolded on its hallowed courts, pushing athletes to their absolute physical and mental limits.
As fans flock to the All England Club each July, it’s not just to watch finesse and elegance—it’s also to witness the resilience of champions. And if there’s one thing Wimbledon has proven over the years, it’s that time has no mercy when history is being made. Here are the top 10 longest matches ever played at Wimbledon, and trust me—the first one was played over multiple days!
1. John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut (2010) – 11 Hours 5 Minutes
Score: 6–4, 3–6, 6–7, 7–6, 70–68
This isn’t just the longest match at Wimbledon—it’s the longest match in tennis history. Played over three days, this epic first-round battle spanned 11 hours and 5 minutes. The final set alone lasted 8 hours and 11 minutes. Isner eventually emerged victorious, but both players became legends that day. Court 18 has since become a pilgrimage site for tennis lovers.
2. Kevin Anderson vs. John Isner (2018) – 6 Hours 36 Minutes
Score: 7–6, 6–7, 6–7, 6–4, 26–24
In a semifinal that tested human limits, Kevin Anderson battled John Isner for over six and a half hours. While Anderson claimed the win, the match's length and fatigue forced Wimbledon to later change its rules, introducing a tiebreak at 12-12 in the final set.
3. Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal (2018) – 5 Hours 15 Minutes
Score: 6–4, 3–6, 7–6, 3–6, 10–8
An epic semi-final featuring two modern-day greats. Suspended overnight due to curfew, it resumed the next day and became an instant classic. Djokovic edged Nadal in a masterclass of endurance, precision, and nerve.
4. Marin Čilić vs. Sam Querrey (2012) – 5 Hours 31 Minutes
Score: 7–6, 6–4, 6–7, 6–7, 17–15
A second-round match that turned into a marathon. Though it lacked the star power of some others on this list, the relentless back-and-forth between Čilić and Querrey kept fans on the edge of their seats.
5. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. John Isner (2012) – 5 Hours 31 Minutes
Score: 6–7, 6–4, 6–7, 6–3, 19–17
Yes, Isner again. His third appearance in a top 10 longest match isn’t by coincidence—his serve-and-hold style almost guarantees marathon matches. This one ended with Tsonga finally breaking through in the decider.
6. Andy Murray vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas (2023) – 4 Hours 40 Minutes
Score: 7–6, 6–7, 6–4, 6–7, 4–6
A match split over two days, this was a clash of generations. While Tsitsipas ultimately took the win, it showed the world that Murray, even after surgeries, could still battle with the best.
7. Novak Djokovic vs. Juan Martín del Potro (2013) – 4 Hours 43 Minutes
Score: 7–5, 4–6, 7–6, 6–7, 6–3
This semifinal was an emotional, high-octane affair. Del Potro threw everything he had at Djokovic, but the Serbian's mental toughness sealed the deal in five brutal sets.
8. Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick (2009 Final) – 4 Hours 17 Minutes
Score: 5–7, 7–6, 7–6, 3–6, 16–14
A heartbreaking loss for Roddick, who played one of the best matches of his life. But Federer broke Pete Sampras’ Grand Slam record with this win in a final that some still say is the greatest ever played at Wimbledon.
9. Goran Ivanišević vs. Patrick Rafter (2001 Final) – 3 Hours 58 Minutes
Score: 6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 2–6, 9–7
It wasn’t just long—it was historic. A wildcard entry, Ivanišević defied odds, injuries, and ranking to lift the Wimbledon trophy in an unforgettable emotional triumph.
10. Serena Williams vs. Heather Watson (2015) – 2 Hours 15 Minutes
Score: 6–2, 4–6, 7–5
Though not among the longest matches in hours, this was a psychological thriller that left the Centre Court gasping. Watson came within two points of knocking out the eventual champion, but Serena's iron will prevailed.
Final Thoughts
Wimbledon is proof that tennis isn't just about finesse and flair—it’s also about endurance, pain, heart, and history. These matches were not just battles for points but battles of will. As we enjoy this year’s championships, remember: the greatest stories sometimes unfold not in a flash, but over hours... or days.
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