Tennis-I was praying to avoid Court 18, says Isner after five-set win

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - May 25, 2022 John Isner of the U.S. in action during his second round match against France's Gregoire Barrere REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

(Reuters) - Twelve years after winning the longest tennis match in history, John Isner admits he still has nightmares whenever he goes to five sets at Wimbledon's Court 18 where he beat Enzo Couacaud 6-7(6) 7-6(3) 4-6 6-3 7-5 on Monday.

Isner is best remembered for the 11-hour epic in 2010 against Frenchman Nicolas Mahut on Court 18 where the final set of their first round match finished 70-68 to the big-serving American after they slugged it out over three days.