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Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
5 longest tennis matches in history
(Image via Instagram/ Carlos Alcaraz) Grand Slams are known for their high stakes and epic clashes, but sometimes matches stretch beyond mere contests—it becomes a test of human willpower. From Wimbledon's endless first-round battle to French Open finals of titanic proportions, these extraordinary encounters tested not just skill, but spirit. Here's a look at five of tennis's longest and most unforgettable duels. From historic first rounds to gripping Grand Slam finals, each match demanded more than just physical stamina—it required heart. Let's dive into these marathon moments that pushed athletes, and fans, to their limits. 1. John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut – (2010 Wimbledon), First Round (11 h 5 m) (Image via The record-holder. This legendary duel spanned three days, concluding at 11 hours and five minutes, with a final set score of 70–68 in games. Neither player blinked: over 183 games, each served more than 100 aces. Isner's victory (6–4, 3–6, 6–7, 7–6, 70–68) remains unmatched in tennis history. Vanity Fair called it 'historic,' with global reactions praising the athletes' resilience and stamina. 2. Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic – (2012 Australian Open) Final Round (5 h 53 m) (Image via BBC) The longest Grand Slam final to date. Novak Djokovic edged past Rafael Nadal in a brutal five‑set showdown: 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7(5), 7–5, clocking in at 5 hours and 53 minutes, late into the night. Qualifying as a 'war of attrition,' this match featured stunning 32-shot rallies, went on to become an evidence of two champions pushing human limits. 3. Kevin Anderson vs. John Isner – (2018 Wimbledon) Semifinal (6 h 36 m) (Image via Another Wimbledon saga. In this semi final match, Anderson defeated Isner by 7–6(6), 6–7(5), 6–7(9), 6–4, 26–24, taking 6 hours and 36 minutes. The fifth set alone was a dramatic testament to their resolve. Anderson's victory created a moment of personal triumph after Isner's earlier epic. 4. Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer – (2019 Wimbledon) Final (4 h 57 m) (Image via NBC sports) Dubbed the 'War of 13–12,' this final saw Djokovic beat Federer 7–6(7), 1–6, 7–6(7), 4–6, 13–12(7) in just under five hours (4 hours and 57 minutes to be exact). It became the longest Wimbledon final ever and marks the twilight of Federer's major-final appearances. Quiet determination, immense pressure, and a thunderous fifth-set tiebreak defined this classic. 5. Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner – 2025 French Open Final (5 h 29 m) (Image via BBC) The modern marvel. In June 2025, Alcaraz staged a breathtaking comeback in a five-hour, 29‑minute battle, saving three championship points to win at 4–6, 6–7(4), 6–4, 7–6(3), 7–6(10–2). As the longest final in Roland-Garros Open Era history, it tested the limits of youthful endurance and mental grit, ushering in a new era of tennis greatness. These matches weren't just long in time—they were epics, chapters in tennis history shaped by grit, stamina, and the hunger to win. Each sets a benchmark for future generations, proving that in Grand Slams, sometimes the greatest opponent isn't the one across the net—it's time itself.
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Gymnasts Ashish Kumar feels Khelo India Youth Games 2025 provides athletes with fantastic opportunities
New Delhi [India] May 14 (ANI): By earning a silver and a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, gymnast Ashish Kumar made history and encouraged male gymnasts to ignite their intrinsic drive to succeed on the world stage, as per As a member of the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) Talent Identification and Development Committee (TIDC), the 34-year-old Indian gymnast is making a significant contribution. Ashish Kumar, who also won a medal at the 2010 Asian Games, claimed that the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar, where the gymnastics tournament was held, provided the athletes with fantastic opportunities. 'Now the onus is on the players, coaches, and the federation to tap into this success and take it further. They have to ensure next-level performance,' he said. The Khelo India Scheme has given opportunities to gymnasts in their early teens, many of whom are exhibiting potential. According to Ashish Kumar, who is situated in Prayagraj, these athletes need to put in more effort in order to advance to the next level. 'Yes, we are seeing good performances from the athletes. But the real job starts now - proper development has to be ensured, especially among the boys,' the 2010 Asian Games medallist said. Ashish is a member of the TIDC, which is essential in finding talented athletes who may be inducted as Khelo India Athletes (KIAs) and receive training at National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs). He believed here should be an overhaul of training philosophy in the sub-junior category, especially for gymnasts under 14. 'At that age, the body recovers quickly. Therefore, from the initial years itself, we have to stress on increasing their loading capacity with proper strength and conditioning schedule. If we keep things light early on, then by 25, their body won't be able to handle the load,' Ashish Kumar explained. Kumar emphasized physical training, recalling his own experience and the days he spent learning from Vladimir Chertkov, a foreign coach. 'When we were at the CWG camp in 2010, coach Vladimir made us push our limits,' he said. 'He taught us how crucial it was to have a body capable of handling repeated strain. Like in an exam, you memorise something 20-30 times for perfection. In gymnastics, it's the same - you repeat movements till your body owns them,' Ashish added. Ashish Kumar also highlighted that male gymnasts need a sharper roadmap to catch up. 'Improvement is needed in male gymnastics. We've seen success among women recently, but men have a long way to go. That's where Khelo India can make the biggest impact - by identifying boys with potential and making them long-term athletes,' he opined. 'However, the fire must come from within. You can give players the best facilities and equipment, but if they don't have that fire inside to achieve something bigger - like an international medal - nothing works. Many just feel content after getting a national medal. That mindset has to change,' Ashish said. (ANI)
