Room 4-4-2: The longest match

So you think you've seen some epic matches at this year's Wimbledon? Andy Murray finishing his five-setter under the roof? Think again.

In 1969, before the advent of the tie-break, Pancho Gonzales (pictured above, taking a rest) and Charlie Pasarell fought out a first-round match that is unlikely to be repeated in any tennis championship.

Gonzales was 41 and a former world No 1 professional before the open era, while Pasarell was 16 years his junior. They battled away in the first set before the younger man triumphed 24-22 and with light rapidly fading Gonzales wanted to get off. The umpire insisted they play on, so a petulant Gonzales appeared to concede the second set 6-1 and was booed by fans as the pair left the court.

The next day a refreshed and inspired Gonzales was unstoppable, winning the final three sets 16-14, 6-3, 11-9, saving seven match points on the way. This amazing match of 112 games had lasted 5hr 12min and deserves its place in our treasure trove of summer sporting memories. It prompted the introduction of tie-breaks shortly after.

What would you put in our Room 4-4-2 summer exhibition? Send your suggestions to room442@thetimes.co.uk

Words by Calvin Shulman

Comments

[Elaine Simpson-Long]

I was actually on Centre Court on the second day this was played and witnessed this match. I was standing (yep it was free standing room inm those days) next to a guy who said he would tell his grandchildren he had witnessed this. Pasarell had a habit of taking part in stunning matches. In 1967 he put out the then Champion Santana from Spain in the first round - never done before or since if my memory is correct.

[Dave]

Elaine,
Hewitt went out in the first round whilst trying to defend his victory the previous year

[Roger Tilbury]

Gonzales threw the second set but carefully won one game so that he served first in the third set. Did he not serve underarm a couple of times in the fifth? Pasarell was furious but it was perfectly legal.

Federer is truly one of the all-time greats but we'll never know how many majors Gonzales would have won (or Rosewall or Laver) if they had not turned professional.