For those wrapped up in the World Cup

In the midst of all this World Cup Soccer Fever, take time to acknowledge Greensboro's John Isner... and for that matter his first-round opponent Nicolas Mahut. They the co-authors of the longest tennis match in open era history.

Anyone who caught a glimpse of their 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68 two-day marathon match won by Isner had to be taken with the physical and mental resolve of both players. They began the match on Wednesday and played for over 10 hours! The 5th set alone lasted over seven before the match was suspended due to darkness. As my wife said to me Wednesday night, "I would have quit by then."

What class by Wimbledon officials who presented Isner, Mahut and the chair umpire and line judges with gifts following Isner's win. After expending so much energy over two days, it's understandable Isner went out in straight sets Friday to Thiemo De Bakker. Hopefully they'll be even more memorable wins to come for Isner at the all England club. If not, at least he and Mahut have forever etched their names in the tennis history books.

Jason Brown