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NEW YORK:
Britain’s Dan Evans defeated Russia’s Karen Khachanov 6-7(6) 7-6(2) 7-6(4) 4-6 6-4 in the longest US Open match of the professional era on Tuesday, advancing to the second round after an incredible comeback.
Evans, ranked 184th and a former British number one, triumphed over world number 22 Khachanov in five hours and 35 minutes, surpassing the previous record of five hours and 26 minutes set by Stefan Edberg and Michael Chang in the 1992 semi-final.
While Court 6 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center typically attracts little attention, a large crowd gathered as the match extended beyond five hours, despite the oppressive heat. Khachanov seemed poised for victory, leading 4-0 in the final set, but Evans rallied, saving four break points in the fifth game and converting a break opportunity in the sixth.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Evans defended another break point in the seventh game and applauded when Khachanov dropped his serve in the eighth. Frustrated, Khachanov missed another break point in the ninth game but fought on, saving two match points in the final game.
Ultimately, Evans clinched the victory with an unreturnable forehand, briefly resting on the net in exhaustion after the gruelling battle. His win sets up a second-round match against Argentine player Mariano Navone.
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