It was rather expected to be a long one this Wimbledon semifinal between Kevin Anderson and John Isner, but this went a bit too far.

What happened?

After splitting the first 4 sets (3 tiebreaks), the South African and the American engaged in a fierce battle of nerves (and serves) in the deciding set. As we know only the US Open adopts the tiebreak in the final set. Therefore, Kevin and John engaged in a fierce battle that was defined by a decisive break in the 49^th game (25-24) before Kevin won the contest 7-6 (6), 6-7 (5) 6-7 (9) 6-4 26-24.

This was the second longest match in tennis history after the one that Isner himself won 7 years ago over Mahut with (70-68 in the 5th set). 

It’s a war of attrition. ANDERSON

After winning this 6 hours and 35 minutes epic, Kevin commented

“You’re really in a war of attrition out there. It’s way beyond a normal tennis match or tactics. I mean, it’s just who’s going to outlast each other. I’m ecstatic to be through to the finals. At the same time, you feel like it should be a draw. But somebody has to win.

I don’t know what got me through today’s match other than just a will to try to succeed, keep pushing myself. I tried as much as I could to just keep fighting. I take a lot of pride in that. Fortunately, I was able to find a way over the finish line.”

Anderson will face either Nadal or Djokovic in the final. Nole was leading Rafa 2 sets to 1 when the match was suspended at 11 pm. The match will resume on Saturday 1 pm local.