Tennis
Wimbledon 2015: How Nicolas Mahut rebounded from epic defeat
Published 0924 GMT (1724 HKT) June 29, 2015
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Five years ago at Wimbledon, Nicolas Mahut (center) lost the longest match in tennis history to John Isner (left). GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images
This was the moment of victory for Isner, who prevailed 70-68 in the fifth set in a match that lasted 11 hours, five minutes and stretched to three days. GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images
When it was over, the two exchanged a hug at the net. Isner and Mahut became good friends and are still close to this day. Isner says Mahut is "a class act." BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images
The loss extended a run of painful defeats for the Frenchman. In 2007, he lost to another American, Andy Roddick, in the final of the Aegon Championships at London's Queen's Club after squandering a match point. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
There was more heartache for Mahut in the 2013 French Open doubles final. He and partner Michael Llodra lost to Americans Bob and Mike Bryan in a third-set tiebreak. Mahut wept afterward. PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images
But Mahut said he built on the loss. And two weeks later, he won his first title on grass in the Netherlands. A month later, he made it two titles, triumphing on grass again in the U.S. Koen van Weel/AFP/Getty Images
Fulfilling a lifelong ambition, Mahut made his Davis Cup debut for France at the not so tender age of 33 in March 2015 against Germany. He and Julien Benneteau clinched the first-round tie. DANIEL ROLAND/AFP/Getty Images
It didn't stop there for Mahut. He collected his third title earlier this month, again on the Dutch grass at Den Bosch. That came after he reached the third round at the French Open. KOEN SUYK/AFP/Getty Images
Mahut celebrated with his team after the Den Bosch victory over Belgian David Goffin. All three of his titles, his career-high ranking of 37th and representing France came following the 2010 loss to Isner. PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images
He followed up that success by winning the doubles title at Queen's Club in London with Pierre-Hugues Herbert -- also his partner when they reached the 2015 Australian Open final. Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mahut said he plans on playing as long as he remains healthy. How would he like to end his career? Playing doubles with Isner at Wimbledon. PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images
