Kevin Anderson of South Africa hits a return during the men's singles semifinal match against John Isner of the United States at the Wimbledon Championships 2018 in London, Britain, July 13, 2018. Kevin Anderson won 3-2. (Xinhua/Stephen Chung)
LONDON, July 14 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Kevin Anderson made it to his first Wimbledon final after a grueling 5-set win over John Isner that did not see a winner until the 50th game in the decider.
The 6h 35min marathon is the longest semifinal and the second-longest singles match in the history of the All England Club, only behind the miraculous 11h 5min epic between Isner and Nicolas Mahut that lasted for three days eight years ago, in which Isner became the last man standing.
But this time he was outlasted by the No.8 seed, frustrated but proud.
"I competed hard. That's what it comes down to. That's what I have to be proud of. It stinks to lose, but I gave it everything I had out there. I just lost to someone who is just a little bit better at the end," said the American.
Serving a total of 102 aces, the two giants gave a sensational display of tennis in front of the crowd. Having emerged from the ordeal 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 26-24, Anderson becomes the first South African in 97 years to play in Wimbledon final, although he felt it was more like a draw.
"Coming through that match, obviously I'm ecstatic to be through to the finals, at the same time you feel like it should be a draw. I definitely feel for John, as well," said Anderson.
Both players urged changes in the rules to introduce tiebreaker in the other three Grand Slams besides US Open.
"I hope this is a sign for Grand Slams to change. For us to be out there for that length of time. I really hope we can look at this, because at the end you don't feel great," Anderson said on the press conference.
"I agree with Kevin. I personally think a sensible option would be at 12-All. If one person can't finish the other off before 12-All, then do a tiebreaker there," Isner added.
Following the marathon was the 52nd encounter between old rivalry Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Due to the delayed start, the match was suspended when the clock ticked 11 pm, the curfew at All England Club, soon after the Serbian took the third set by saving three set points. The three-time champion led the match two sets to one.
Their classic will continue on Saturday before the women's final between Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber.
