Longest match in tennis history ends

No. 23 seed John Isner and Nicolas Mahut made Wimbledon history with an 11-hour Wimbledon epic. Recap all the action with our blog from this unforgettable battle.

Fifth set, starting at 59-59

We have started again. Isner starts with the serve, and he comes out a little cold. The big man from Georgia misses his first two first serves and lets Mahut stay in the game as we go to deuce. His 100th ace gives him the advantage and another strong serve helps him finish off the game. 60-59, Isner

If you're unfamiliar with the historic nature of this match, click here to find out more. At over 10 hours and counting, it's the longest match in recorded tennis history. Mahut has no troubles on his serve, picking up right where he left off last night, as he holds at love. 60-60

Isner holds at love. Didn't take long for both to get back in the groove. 61-60, Isner

First point on Mahut's serve goes to Isner. Isner fires a backhand that appeared to be sailing long, but Mahut plays it weakly back and Isner smashes it away. Mahut bounces back with three aces and a backhand winner to hold. 61-61

SLAM MARATHONS

 

Check out the best photos from Isner and Mahut's classic showdown and take a look at our list of the longest matches at each Grand Slam.

 

A mishit flies off Isner's racket at 15-0, drawing Mahut even. But the American's big serve gets him out of trouble, as it has all match. 62-61, Isner

Wondering how we got here? There are no fifth-set tiebreakers at Wimbledon — the U.S. Open is the only Grand Slam that uses them. Both players have served exceptionally, making it exceedingly difficult for either to break. The players have held serve for over 147 consecutive games. Add another one to that total, as Mahut holds easily. 62-62

Mahut seems to be faring slightly better at the return game this afternoon. He wins two points off Isner in this game, but it doesn't matter. Isner holds again. 63-62, Isner

A little background on Mahut: He's a 28-year-old Frenchman who has had more success on the doubles court than the singles in his career. He has three doubles titles but has never won a singles crown. He holds at love again here to bring us even once again. 63-63

Isner sprays a forehand wide on the first point, giving Mahut a 0-15 look — that qualifies as a huge break opportunity in this match. Isner gets himself out of the potential trouble and holds. 64-63, Isner

You may be more familiar with Isner, who is currently the No. 2 ranked American behind Andy Roddick. He won his only singles title in New Zealand earlier this year and defeated Roddick in the third round at last year's U.S. Open. He can't crack Mahut, though — another hold and the set is level once again. 64-64

STUFF OF LEGENDS

 

Nadal etching out a lofty place in tennis lore. Richard Evans

 

Isner holds without much difficulty again. You wonder when fatigue will play a factor. The break in play certainly provided some much deserved rest, but they must be feeling the effects of yesterday's epic. 65-64, Isner

Quick hold for Mahut again. We have played the equivalent of a 6-6 set — we're two games away from 11 complete 6-6 frames in this set alone. 65-65

Mahut comes up with a beautiful backhand cross-court passing shot at 0-30 to earn a point, but Isner quickly shrugs it off for the hold. 66-65, Isner

Mahut holds at love. There have 211 aces in this match — 108 from Isner, 103 from Mahut. The previous single-match record high was 78. 66-66

Isner has had four match points in this set, and Mahut has brushed them all aside. There have only been six break points total in the fifth set. Isner makes sure Mahut doesn't get one in this game. 67-66, Isner

Mahut holds at love. It's amazing how long these effortless holds have gone on. Who will crack first? 67-67

The sheer mental concentration it takes to keep your composure in a match like this must be unbelievable. Isner holds at love as we head toward an 11th hour. 68-67, Isner

Isner benefits from a fortuitous bounce off the net cord to take a 0-15 lead, but Mahut responds well to hold. 68-68

Mahut! He burts out to a 0-30 lead on Isner's serve. A huge opportunity here. Isner reaches back for an ace and two service winners, then Mahut nets a return to give the game to Isner. Another door slammed shut. 69-68, Isner

We've now hit the 11-hour mark. At 15-15, Mahut misses a drop shot attempt as Isner slips to make it 15-30. Mahut gets to 30-30, then Isner hits a beautiful forehand pass up the line to earn his fifth match point. Isner rips a backhand on the line and he has done it! After just over 11 hours, this incredible match has ended. Isner wins 70-68

Zack Pierce is a senior editor for FOXSports.com.