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No doubt for more than just fatigue. There's a reason most of the longer matches occur between lower-ranked players; neither opponent has the mental fortitude t
by dooshydoo 16y ago
No doubt for more than just fatigue. There's a reason most of the longer matches occur between lower-ranked players; neither opponent has the mental fortitude to change strategy accordingly. Not to be mean, I do concede that Isner and Mahut both have heart to fight for 7 plus hours, but this wouldn't happen between Federer and Nadal because they learn and adapt during a match, not just go tit for tat. Both of these guys serve very well, but return very averagely.
- rjett 16y agoExcept Isner is not a low ranked player. He's no 23 in the world. Granted, his biggest weapon is his huge serve and this is his main advantage. I don't think all of the top players are as versatile as you propose. Even "versatile" players fall back to their strengths when they go through these five set marathon matches. Look no further than the 2008 Wimbeldon final where Nadal battled Federer for almost 5 hours and eeked out the fifth set 9-7. At the time, commentators were claiming this to be the greatest tennis match ever.