NEW YORK – Dan Evans has made history by winning the longest match in US Open history since the introduction of tiebreaks in 1970. Evans defeated Karen Khachanov in a dramatic conclusion that lasted 5 hours and 35 minutes, with set scores of 6-7 (6), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-4. The British player, who holds an impressive record of 5-0 against Khachanov, fell behind 4-0 in the fifth set but managed to break his opponent by winning the last six games.
The pivotal moment of the match came during an intense 22-shot rally, where Evans was on the defensive for most of the exchange before he struck a powerful shot to the corner. Khachanov, seeded 23rd, was unable to return the ball with his backhand.
The match duration surpassed the previous record of 5 hours and 26 minutes, set when Stefan Edberg defeated Michael Chang in the semifinals of 1992. Evans’ victories over Khachanov showcased a fast pace, with set durations of 68, 67, 72, 67, and 61 minutes, respectively.
Evans, who had previously played doubles with Andy Murray during the triple Grand Slam winner’s final tournament at the Olympics, ended with a total points statistic of 201-191 in his favor. With this victory, he is now set to face Mariano Navone from Argentina in the second round.
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