Salute to Mahut & Wimbledon Observations

 

PETE ZIEBRON

Nicolas Mahut fell to John Isner in the 5th set 70-68 in a first round match at Wimbledon today that took 11 hours and 5 minutes to complete over a three day period.

Having to serve from behind for the entire 5th set, Mahut explained that his focus was keen: "I was just thinking about winning the game I was playing, the point I was playing again and again."

Mahut is currently ranked #148 and had to play 3 qualifying matches to gain entry into the main draw.  In his second round of the qualies, Mahut came from one set down and dug deep to defeat  Alex Bogdanovic of Great Britain 24-22 in the decisive third set to advance to the third and final round.  Next, Mahut came back from a two sets to one deficit to defeat Stefan Koubek to gain entry into the main Wimbledon draw.

• Amazingly, Mahut took the court once again later in the day when he paired with Arnaud Clement for his 1st round doubles match.  For the third consecutive day, Mahut was not able to finish his match as play was suspended due to darkness with Mahut and Clement trailing Brits Colin Fleming and Kenneth Skupski 6-7.  John Isner withdrew from doubles competition, as he is scheduled to play the first match on Court 5 tomorrow against Thiemo De Bakker of the Netherlands.

Although Mahut won the 2000 Wimbledon Junior title, defeating Mario Ancic, his best showing as a professional was a 3rd round appearance in 2006, where he lost to eventual champion Roger Federer.

However, in 2007, Mahut enjoyed his best success when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the Queen's Club quarterfinals and lost to Andy Roddick in the Final despite winning the first set.

 

• Roland Garros Champion Francesca Schiavone and Finalist Samantha Stosur were both eliminated in the 1st round at Wimbledon.

 

• #1 seed Roger Federer and #2 seed Rafael Nadal have each played and won a 5 set match through the first 2 rounds.

• 12 Mens 1st round mens went 5 sets.
•  10 2nd round matches went 5 sets.

• The longest mens matches include:
• Isner 70-68 v. Mahut (1st)
• De Bakker 16-14 v. Giraldo (1st)
  
• Davydenko 9-7 v. Anderson (1st)
• Tsonga 10-8 v. Dolgopolov (2nd)
  
• Kohlschreiber 9-7 v. Gabashvili (2nd)
• Chardy 8-6 v. Lacko (2nd)