New York: Down 0-4 in the final set and seemingly on the verge of defeat, Britain’s Dan Evans fought back in an extraordinary display of resilience to win the longest match in US Open history. The epic contest against Russia’s Karen Khachanov on Tuesday, ended with Evans triumphing 6-7(6), 7-6(2), 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4 after an exhausting five hours and 35 minutes.
Ranked 184th in the world, Evans shattered the previous record for the longest match in the professional era of the US Open, surpassing the 5-hour, 26-minute battle between Sweden’s Stefan Edberg and American Michael Chang in 1992. The victory also marked a stunning comeback for Evans, who was trailing in the fifth set before turning the match around.
Evans, a former British number one, displayed remarkable tenacity throughout the marathon match, launching 14 aces and pushing his body to the limit. As the hours wore on, Evans admitted to checking the scoreboard just to stay oriented in the midst of the grueling contest. “When you’re a kid, you’re taught to fight until the end. That’s rule one,” Evans said after the match, his voice tinged with exhaustion and triumph. “I’ve done that consistently throughout my career, and it paid off today.”
Court 6 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, usually less crowded, became the focal point of the day as fans packed the stands to witness the historic match unfold. Despite the oppressive heat, the energy from the crowd grew with every point as the match approached the five-hour mark.
Khachanov, who had looked set to claim victory with a 4-0 lead in the final set, found himself up against an inspired Evans. The Briton saved four break points in the fifth game and then seized his chance in the sixth, breaking Khachanov’s serve to the delight of the crowd. The momentum shifted dramatically as Evans saved another break point in the seventh game and broke Khachanov’s serve again in the eighth, leaving the Russian visibly frustrated.
Despite Khachanov’s best efforts, including saving two match points in the final game, Evans sealed the victory with an unreturnable forehand after an intense 22-shot rally, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The 34-year-old Briton, who has previously reached the fourth round at Flushing Meadows, could barely contain his pride after the match. “I’m immensely proud,” Evans said, his voice filled with emotion. “It’s nice to win a match after a lot of first-round exits this year.”
Evans will now face Argentine Mariano Navone in the second round, carrying the momentum of his record-breaking triumph into the next challenge.
