Tennis

15 years ago today, Isner-Mahut concluded "7 days in hell"... 

A THREAD

med student, tech enthusiast, sport lover

The match was first suspended for darkness on Tuesday.

At 6 hours and 34 minutes, it broke the world record for the longest match.

It stole global headlines—even from the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The scoreboard crashed when the fifth set reached 47-47.

Play was suspended again on Wednesday evening at an astonishing 59-59.

Andy Roddick sent Isner and his team three pizzas out of respect.

IBM engineers worked overnight to restore the scoreboard system.

Both Isner and Mahut managed only three hours of sleep that night.

Mahut served to stay in the match a remarkable 64 times.
Both players hit over 100 aces—Isner 113, Mahut 103.
They burned a combined 16,000 calories over the three-day epic.
Isner finally won 70-68 after 11 hours and 5 minutes of play on Thursday.
In the time it took, 85 other matches had been completed at Wimbledon.

That match, too, was suspended for darkness.

In his next round, Isner didn’t serve a single ace.

It remains the only match in which Isner served zero aces.

A commemorative plaque now stands at Court 18.

Isner won that rematch in straight sets, lasting just 2 hours and 3 minutes.

Over time, Isner and Mahut developed a strong friendship.

Isner even sent Mahut a congratulatory card when his son was born.

HBO released a parody mockumentary based on the match: 7 Days in Hell.

Match memorabilia is exhibited at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Mahut later authored a book titled The Match of My Life.

The duo jointly won an award, beating the likes of Federer and Usain Bolt.

They faced off again the following year—the odds of that happening were 1 in 142.

Umpire Mohamed Lahyani officiated the entire match without a single bathroom break.

A special on-court ceremony was held to honour both players.

Mahut, in a daze, reportedly showered fully clothed after the match.

Just hours later, he returned to Court 18 to play doubles.