Anderson, the eighth seed, won a gruelling battle of the big servers 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (9/11), 6-4, 26-24 in six hours and 36 minutes on Centre Court
Kevin Anderson celebrates his win over John Isner on Friday. Pic/AFP
Kevin Anderson and John Isner called for a change in the rules after their record-breaking Wimbledon semi-final here on Friday. Anderson, the eighth seed, won a gruelling battle of the big servers 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (9/11), 6-4, 26-24 in six hours and 36 minutes on Centre Court. It was the longest semi-final in Grand Slam history, and the second longest match ever at a major championship.
Isner will not need reminding of the match that beats all others, having taken 11 hours and five minutes to beat Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010. Three-time winner John McEnroe said in commentary that fifth-set tie-breaks should be introduced at all Grand Slams - currently only the US Open incorporates them.
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The two combatants agreed. Midway through the deciding set Isner, half-jokingly, half-seriously, asked umpire Marija Cicak if they could just play a tie-break. The American said: "I personally think a sensible option would be 12-12. If one person can't finish the other off before 12-12 then do a tie-breaker there. Anderson said: "I personally don't see the reason not include it now at least at all of the Slams."
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