When the draw at Wimbledon was announced, the big names in tennis all took a back seat to the revelation that American John Isner and Frenchman Nicolas Mahut will again play, Tuesday June 21st, in the first round at the 2011 Wimbledon All England Club. Isner and Mahut contested a record-breaking 11-hour match in the first round last year. The pair played the longest-ever match in tennis history, which was player over three days and was won by Isner. Wimbledon oddsmakers have John Isner as -250 moneyline favourite to beat Nicholas Mahut who is listed as +180 underdog. Be sure to get your 2011 Wimbledon: John Isner vs Nicholas Mahut predictions in early.
J
ohn Isner prevailed last year in the longest match in tennis history, as the big- serving American notched a 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-3), 70-68 victory over the Frenchman. The match began late on the first Tuesday of the fortnight and was suspended because of darkness. Again darkness halted play on Wednesday and the match finally ended on Thursday after a total of 11 hours and five minutes of play. At the 2011 Australian Open Isner was ousted in the third round by Marin Cilic. At the 2011 French Open Isner was drawn against number one seed and defending champion Rafael Nadal. Isner took what was considered a surprise two-sets-to-one lead against Nadal, who had never played a five set match at Roland Garros and had only been defeated once there in the previous six years, before he was eventually defeated 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 6-4.
Nicholas Mahut began his 2011 season by representing France at the Hopman Cup with his compatriot, Kristina Mladenovic. Mahut lost to John Isner, 3-6, 6-7(5) and Andy Murray, 6-7(4), 6-7(5) in his first two matches, but defeated Potito Starace in his final match, 6-3, 7-6(2). France finished second in their section behind USA. Afterwards, Mahut entered the qualifying tournament for the 2011 Australian Open, where he defeated Luke Saville, Guillermo Olaso and Frederik Nielsen, to secure himself a place in the main draw. He has won his first match for the Australian Open against Brian Dabul 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, but lost to Viktor Troicki 4-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the second round. As the defending champion of the 2011 Challenger DCNS de Cherbourg, Mahut made it to the finals before losing to Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 7-6(4).
Head to Head:
2008 London / Queen's Club Great Britain Grass R32 Mahut, Nicolas 7-5, 6-4
2010 Wimbledon Great Britain Grass R128 Isner, John 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(3), 70-68
John Isner vs Nicholas Mahut
When: Tuesday June 21, 1:00 PM ET
Pick: Isner -250
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out Wimbledon Odds before the John Isner vs Nicholas Mahut match.
The Bottom Line: Isner has the upperhand based on fitness and he’s played more tennis this year. Be sure to get your 2011 Wimbledon: John Isner vs Nicholas Mahut predictions in early.
