John Isner of the US returns a ball to Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their men's semifinal match at Wimbledon. Photo / AP
Kevin Anderson outlasted John Isner in the second longest match ever played at Wimbledon, winning the fifth set of their semifinal 26-24 after more than 6 ½ hours.
Anderson became the first South African male to reach the final since 1921 with a 7-6 (6), 6-7 (5), 6-7 (9), 6-4,
26-24 victory on Centre Court.
In a final set that lasted nearly 3 hours, Anderson had break points at 7-7, 10-10 and 17-17 before finally earning the decisive breakthrough to go 25-24 up — drawing a massive roar from the crowd.
He made it 0-30 in that game by winning a point after falling on his back behind the baseline but still got up in time to return Isner's shot.
He then converted his first match point when Isner sent a shot wide — after 6 hours, 36 minutes.
