John Isner of the U.S. celebrates defeating France's Nicolas Mahut at the 2010 Wimbledon tennis championships in London, June 24, 2010. [Xinhua Photo]

After more than 11 hours over three days, American John Isner finally defeated Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in a recod-shattering fifth set in the first round of Wimbiedon Open.

The longest tennis match in history finally ended at late Thursday afternoon with John Isner outclassing Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(9-7), 7-6 (7-3), 70-68 in their first-round encounter. After Isner threaded a backhand passing shot down the line for a winner, the two men hugged at the net.

"We played the greatest match ever in the greatest place to play tennis," Mahut said. "John deserved to win. He just served unbelievable."

"It stinks that someone has to lose," Isner said. "To share this day with him is a real honor. I can only wish him the very best and that hope that we'll meet down the road sometime. But hopefully it won't go to 70-68."

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal rallied in the second round to beat Robin Haase 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3.

Nadal dropped sets at a Grand Slam for the first time in nine matches, but the French Open champion battled back from the brink to earn a meeting with Phillip Petzschner or Lukasz Kubot.

Besides, Britain's Andy Murray crushed Jarkko Nieminen 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the third round.