John Isner played and won his Wimbledon first round on infamous Court 18 – the venue where he once struggled for three days and 70-68 in the play-it-out fifth set against Nicolas Mahut.
The Wimbledon epic staged a dozen years ago set in motion a glacial change in the rules at the Grand Slam where modifications are measured in decades. As of this edition, fifth sets go to best-of-10 tiebreaks when games reach 6-6.
Isner’s 2010 win over his French opponent took just over 11 total hours, with the fifth set lasting for eight hours.
London Wimbledon Championships Plaque on Court 18 remembering the longest ever match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut 22-24 June 2010 Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
Memories of the effort still give the American the shudders – but he had to suppress any panic as he won his Wimbledon first round at the current edition, defeating France’s Enzo Couacaud 6-7(6), 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.
Isner admitted he felt some tension as the match went into a deciding set on his particular hoodoo court.
“Everybody asked me about my memories on that court, and it’s nightmares,” he said.
“I lost in five sets last year on that court. I won one today. I’ve spent a lot of hours playing on that court.”
And as for requesting not to be scheduled there?
“I’m a nobody. I can’t go request what court to play on at Wimbledon,” the No. 24 said. “Let’s be honest.
“I just was kind of praying I wouldn’t be on that court. The schedule came out, and I go, Shit – it happens.”
He shouldn’t face the same problem in the second round match as he plays Andy Murray which will probably be on Centre
