Isner needs just 3 sets to beat Mahut this time

By The Associated Press

Posted 3:55PM on Tuesday 21st June 2011 ( 14 years ago )

WIMBLEDON, England -- The rematch of the longest match in tennis history was a lot shorter.

John Isner needed only three sets and about two hours to beat Nicolas Mahut in the first round at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

Isner won 7-6 (4), 6-2, 7-6 (6) on Court 3. It was a far-more straightforward than their 11-hour, 5-minute marathon over three days in 2010 that Isner finally won 70-68 in the fifth set at the All England Club in the first round.

Last year's match twice was suspended by darkness while it was being played on Court 18, which now has a plaque commemorating the occasion.

John Isner of the US reacts during the first round match against France's Nicolas Mahut at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon on Tuesday. / photo: Associated Press

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/6/239759