Wimbledon 2018: Kevin Anderson beats John Isner in record-breaking semi-final
KEVIN ANDERSON beat John Isner 7-6(6), 6-7(5), 6-7(9), 6-4, 26-24 in a record-breaking clash which lasted six hours and 36 minutes to reach the Wimbledon final.
In what was always going to be a match dominated by big, powerful serves, both players showed exactly why they were Wimbledon semi-finalists.
Isner was the only player in the tournament not to have been broken and he was resilient in the first set which Anderson edged in the tiebreak.
There was little to separate the duo in the second set too, as Isner levelled via another tiebreak - although he almost threw away a 5-0 lead.
The third set had more twists and turns as Isner finally had his serve broken - but he hit back in the next game to force another tiebreak - which he won.
Anderson earned a second break in the fourth set to win 6-4 and take the match to a decider.
Isner and Anderson were exhausted after the final game
Anderson and Isner looked like they were never going to end as the fifth set dragged on way beyond the sixth hour.
But the South African finally got the break before serving for the win in the 50th game.
The match will go down in Wimbledon history as the longest ever semi-final.
And speaking after the victory, Anderson said: “I don’t really know what to say right now. Playing like that in those conditions is tough on both of us.
“At the end you feel like this is a draw but somebody has to win.
“I really feel for him. If I was on the opposite side I’m not sure how I would feel.
“I apologize if I’m not excited. I don’t know how to feel.
“A lot of time I’ve pushed myself harder because some of the successes he’s had.
Anderson won more points than his rival but served fewer aces
“Congrats to John. The semi-finals here is a remarkable achievement and I’m sure he will bounce back.
“I really hope this is a bit of a sign for Grand Slams to change. For us to be out there for this length of time it doesn't feel good.
“I really hope we can look at it and address it. You really don’t feel that great out there."
Anderson will now play the winner of Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic in the final.
