These matches were mentally and physically demanding!

The US Open has featured numerous epic five-set battles throughout its history, with the 2024 tournament adding a new record for the longest five-set match. The longest-ever five-set encounter remains the 2010 Wimbledon first-round clash between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut, lasting 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days. Although new rules now prevent matches of that length, the intensity at Flushing Meadows continues to captivate fans, who stay on the edge of their seats as the action unfolds under the floodlights. Let’s explore the five longest singles matches at the US Open in the Open Era.

Daniel Evans defeats Karen Khachanov – 5:35 – 2024 Round 1

The opening round of the 2024 US Open saw Daniel Evans and Karen Khachanov engage in the longest match ever at Flushing Meadows, surpassing a 32-year-old record by nine minutes. The match lasted five hours and 35 minutes, with Evans rallying from a 0-4 deficit in the fifth set to win 6-7(6), 7-6(2), 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4. The third set, lasting 72 minutes, was the longest of the match, and no set was completed in under an hour. Khachanov struck 79 winners but made 73 unforced errors, while Evans capitalised on this to win 201 points to Khachanov’s 191.

Stefan Edberg defeats Michael Chang – 5:26 – 1992 Semi-final

The semi-final clash between Stefan Edberg and Michael Chang in 1992 was the longest match at the US Open until 2024. Edberg triumphed in 5 hours and 26 minutes with a score of 7-5, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-4, advancing to face Pete Sampras in the final. Edberg eventually defended his title, winning his sixth and final Grand Slam with a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 victory over Sampras. Remarkably, the semi-final against Chang was Edberg’s third consecutive five-set match, having previously defeated Richard Krajicek (6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4) and Ivan Lendl (6-3, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 7-6).

Carlos Alcaraz defeats Jannik Sinner – 5:15 – 2022 Quarter-final

The quarter-final showdown between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2022 US Open was a marathon match, just 11 minutes shy of surpassing the record set by Stefan Edberg and Michael Chang. The match lasted over five hours and ended at 2:50 AM. It could have finished sooner if Sinner had served out the match at 5-4 in the fourth set. Instead, Alcaraz clinched a dramatic 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-7(0), 7-5, 6-3 victory, marking his first Grand Slam win over Sinner. The then 19-year-old Alcaraz went on to win the title and became the youngest World No. 1 in ATP history.

Sargis Sargsian defeats Nicolas Massu – 5:09 – 2004 Round 2  

Armenian Sargis Sargsian defeated Nicolas Massu in a gruelling second-round clash at the 2004 US Open, shortly after Massu won Olympic gold. Trailing 0-2 in their head-to-head, Sargsian prevailed in a marathon match lasting five hours and nine minutes, with a score of 6-7(6), 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-4. This match, characterised by Sargsian's resilience in recovering from set deficits, was the second-longest at Flushing Meadows at that time. Sargsian also faced a tough fourth-round battle against Paul-Henri Mathieu, winning 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(4) after four hours and 44 minutes.

Andy Murray defeats Novak Djokovic – 4:54 – 2012 Final

The 2012 US Open final between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic was a near five-hour epic. It was Murray’s fifth Grand Slam final, having faced either Roger Federer or Djokovic in each. Fresh off an Olympic gold medal from London, Murray reached the final in New York, losing only three sets along the way. He took a two-set lead but Djokovic fought back, forcing a decisive fifth set. After four hours and 54 minutes, Murray emerged victorious with a 7-6(10), 7-6, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 win, becoming the first Brit to win a major since Fred Perry in 1936.

These examples show just how tough it can be when facing an opponent who is both tenacious and athletic. Each long rally highlights the beauty and challenge of tennis, where endurance and skill come together in spectacular fashion.