15 years ago ended the longest match in tennis history

As the 2025 Wimbledon begins with the qualifying rounds, an anniversary is being celebrated on this June 24. Exactly 15 years ago today, John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in the first round of the London Grand Slam.

A match that had actually started two days earlier and, after 11 hours and 5 minutes of play, the American emerged victorious with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 6-7, 70-68.

A match that is still frequently discussed by both players and one that, because of it, forged a strong friendship between them. Ironically, the two faced each other again the following year at Wimbledon.

This time, however, Isner—not wanting to relive such an ordeal—won in straight sets. For the boldest fans, the full match can be revisited below.