Tennis matches are known for their potential to last for hours, often becoming endurance battles that test players’ physical and mental resilience. The sport’s open-ended scoring system, which requires players to win by a margin of two games in most sets, can lead to extended play, especially in closely contested matches. Additionally, the absence of a time limit means that matches continue until a definitive winner emerges. Surface type, player styles, and weather conditions also contribute to match length.
The French Open has over the years seen some highly iconic moments. May it be Bjorn Borg winning it six times, Rafael Nadal doing 14 times, or the fact that Novak Djokovic completed his career slam by winning here in 2016. Amongst these moments, a certain side of this tournament stays ignored. We are talking about the time it takes to complete such long, grueling matches.
On clay surfaces like French Open, points are often longer due to slower ball speeds and high bounce, leading to extended rallies. Marathon matches highlight the unpredictability and drama of tennis, showcasing not just skill and strategy but also the determination and stamina of the players.
On average, the French Open has seen longer matches in comparison to the other slams of the year due to the nature of the surface on which it is played. These slow and demanding conditions very often push matches over the five-hour mark making it very hard to stay physically fit during the fortnight.
This article discusses the seven longest French Open matches till now.
7. Rafael Nadal vs. Paul-Henri Mathieu (2006)
In the 2006 French Open, Rafael Nadal, the defending champion, faced Paul-Henri Mathieu in a grueling third-round match. This encounter is notable for being Nadal’s longest match at Roland Garros, lasting 4 hours and 53 minutes. The Spaniard, then only 19 years old, was taken to the limit by Mathieu, a Frenchman backed by the passionate home crowd.
This match was a testament to Nadal’s ability to thrive under pressure as he emerged victorious with a scoreline of 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. He later went on to clinch his second French Open title that year.
6. Lukas Lacko vs. Michael Yani (2010)
The first-round match between Slovak player Lukas Lacko and American player Michael Yani at the 2010 French Open was a grueling marathon. It lasted 4 hours and 56 minutes and stretched over two days.
The match was a dramatic display of endurance, particularly in the deciding fifth set, which saw both players battle tirelessly to gain the upper hand. Lukas Lacko ultimately won with a scoreline of 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(4), 6-7(5), 12-10 and advanced to the second round, where his campaign came to an end by Alejandro Falla.
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5. Daniel Altmaier vs. Jannik Sinner (2023)
In the second round of the 2023 French Open, Daniel Altmaier faced Jannik Sinner in a match that lasted 5 hours and 26 minutes. Altmaier, ranked World No. 79 at that time, secured a remarkable victory over the eighth-seeded Sinner with a scoreline of 6-7(0), 7-6(7), 1-6, 7-6(4), 7-5, showcasing his immense resilience.
Following this significant upset, the German tennis player advanced to the third round, facing Grigor Dimitrov. His journey concluded there as Dimitrov defeated him in straight sets.
4. Alex Corretja vs. Hernan Gumy (1999)
The 1999 French Open featured a memorable second-round match between the Spanish Alex Corretja and Argentinian Hernán Gumy. This thrilling match lasted 5 hours and 31 minutes. Corretja emerged victorious with his consistency and determination. He won the match with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, 5-7, 9-7.
Corretja advanced to the final of the French Open, where André Agassi defeated him. This was Corretja’s best performance at Roland Garros, and his performance against Gumy remains one of the most notable matches of his career.
3. John Isner vs. Paul-Henri Mathieu (2012)
The 2012 French Open second-round match between John Isner and Paul-Henri Mathieu lasted 5 hours and 41 minutes. This match was a display of incredible resilience and skill from both players.
The match ended with Paul-Henri Mathieu winning with a scoreline of 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 18-16. Following his victory over Isner, Mathieu advanced to the third round, where he faced Novak Djokovic, the world No. 1 at the time. Unfortunately, Mathieu’s run ended there as the Serbian defeated him.
2. Lorenzo Giustino vs. Corentin Moutet (2020)
The 2020 French Open featured a remarkable first-round match between Lorenzo Giustino and Corentin Moutet. This thrilling match, which witnessed both players displaying incredible resilience and determination, lasted an astonishing 6 hours and 5 minutes.
After losing the first set, Lorenzo Giustino fought back strongly, winning the next three sets in tie-breaks, before finally sealing victory in the fifth set with a score of 0-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(3), 2-6, 18-16. Following his victory, Lorenzo Giustino advanced to the second round of the French Open, where his journey ended at the hands of Rafael Nadal.
1. Fabrice Santoro vs. Arnaud Clement (2004)
The 2004 French Open featured an iconic first-round match between the French players Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clément. Spread over two days, the match lasted an astounding 6 hours and 33 minutes and remains the longest singles match in French Open history! This match is also the 5th longest match in tennis history. Santoro, known for his unorthodox style and finesse, defeated Clément with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-3, 6-7(5), 3-6, 16-14.
In an anticlimactic longest game, the tennis fraternity saw a nail-biting and physically draining round one match at the 2004 Roland Garros. It had to be hard fought as two Frenchmen battled to stay alive in their home event. Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clement took to the court as records were about to be shattered. Santoro quickly took the first set 6-4 and in no time doubled his lead taking the second 6-3. However, Clement was not going to go down so easily and knew it would take a crazy bit of tennis to turn this around.
He leveled up his game as he took the third and the fourth 7-6, 6-3. Santoro was feeling the pressure as an inspired Clement was all of a sudden looking like the favorite to win the battle. In one of the best final sets of all time, both men were ready to give every ounce of energy left in them. The final set saw 30 games being played and at 14-14, Santoro made sure he got this cruel on-the-body game done. Winning back-to-back games he took the match by winning 16-14 in the fifth. The final scoreline read 6-4,6-3,6-7,3-6,16-14.
This was recorded as the longest contest in French open history going up to 6 hours 33 minutes. After this grueling victory, Fabrice Santoro advanced to the second round, where Olivier Mutis defeated him.
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