Five years ago at Wimbledon, Nicolas Mahut (center) lost the longest match in tennis history to John Isner (left).
Five years ago at Wimbledon, Nicolas Mahut (center) lost the longest match in tennis history to John Isner (left).
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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.
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.
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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."
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."
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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