Nicolas Mahut’s first match since his record-setting exploits at Wimbledon saw the Frenchman beat Colombia’s Alejandro Falla 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 at the Hall of Fame Championships on Tuesday.
The loser of a marathon three-day contest against John Isner at the All England Club, Mahut returned to the court for a first-round match on grass in a baking hot Newport which lasted 83 minutes — a fraction of his record 11-hour, 5-minute loss at Wimbledon.
The Wimbledon match was twice suspended because of darkness before Isner won 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (3), 70-68. But there was no danger of another marathon in Newport: The tournament plays three sets, with a tiebreaker.
Once again battling the sun — this time it was blazing, not setting — Mahut saw off a Colombian who came within three points of eliminating Roger Federer from Wimbledon in the first round.
Mahut said he thinks about Wimbledon “every minute.”
“Even when I sleep, I’m dreaming about the match,” he said. “It’s a crazy story.”
In his dreams, does he win?
“Sometimes,” he said with a smile.
“This match is the best moment of my life, and maybe also the worst,” he said. “It’s still really painful. It really is. But I’m also pretty proud to be in the Hall of Fame museum.”
Specifically, Mahut’s shirt and one of his shoes from the Wimbledon match are on display in the Hall. Mahut shook his head at the improbability of seeing his name next to his idol Pete Sampras and other tennis greats.
“I took a picture on my phone,” Mahut said. “I sent it to my friend and said, ‘Look: I’m in the Hall of Fame museum.’”
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