John Isner needed to come from behind to beat Teymuraz Gabashvili and book his place in the fourth round of the French Open this afternoon.
The American was taken all the way by the world number 79, but eventually secured a 7-6[7] 4-6 2-6 6-4 6-2 victory in just over three hours at Roland Garros.
Gabashvili had a chance to take control of the first set early on when he earned a break point in the very first game, but Isner saved that and it would prove to be a rare opportunity for the Russian.
Indeed, neither player was able to create another break point throughout the opener as it went all the way to a tiebreak, which the big-hitting 15th seed won 9-7.
It was more of the same in the second set, although this time Gabashvili had to work harder to keep his own serve as he fought off four break points to remain in contention.
It was actually the underdog who got the all-important break in the final game of the set to level things up, and that proved to be a sign of things to come over the next half an hour or so.
Isner needed to save three break points in the fourth game of the third set to keep things on an even keel, but he then lost back-to-back service games to put Gabashvili on the verge of an upset.
However, the American made a perfect start to the fourth set with a break in the very first game, and he was then able to hold serve for the remainder to eventually take it 6-4 at the third time of asking.
It all came down to a decider, then, and Gabashvili appeared to be in the driver's seat when an early break saw him move into a 2-0 lead, but Isner responded in kind immediately and was soon back level.
The favourite went on to reel off six games in a row to clinch the fifth set 6-2 with his first match point, setting up a fourth-round meeting with Andy Murray.
Barney Corkhill
