Dan Evans sets US Open record with marathon match against Khachanov

Dan Evans, a British tennis player, achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the record for the longest match ever played at the US Open during his first-round encounter against Russia's Karen Khachanov. The match, held at Flushing Meadows in New York, lasted an astonishing five hours and 35 minutes, surpassing the previous record of five hours and 26 minutes set by Stefan Edberg in 1992. The grueling conditions added to the challenge, as Evans struggled to keep track of the match's progress, even losing count of the sets during the fourth. Despite a rocky start, where he found himself trailing 4-0 in the decisive fifth set, Evans demonstrated resilience and determination. He rallied back to win six consecutive games, ultimately securing victory with a final score of 6-7 (6), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-4. This comeback echoed his impressive performance at the Olympics, where he had also shown great tenacity. After the match, Evans expressed his exhaustion and relief, stating that he was simply ready to rest. He reflected on the importance of perseverance, a lesson he learned early in his career. His victory not only marked a personal achievement but also highlighted the physical and mental demands of professional tennis. The match drew attention from fellow athletes, including Andy Murray, who shared a clip of the winning point and expressed his admiration for Evans' performance. This victory was particularly significant for Evans, who had faced numerous first-round exits earlier in the year, making this win a much-needed boost in his career.