The chances of John Isner drawing Nicolas Mahunt in a first round matchup at Wimbledon this year were seven in 1,000, or 1 in 143.
After the two competed last summer at the All England Club in the longest tennis match in history, that 1-in-143 chance came through Friday. They square off Tuesday in opening-round play.
On Court 18 at last year's Wimbledon Championship, the two played in a 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (3), 70-68, 11-hours and five-minute, three-day marathon match that saw Isner come out on top. A plaque was placed at the court to celebrate the contest.
The two became good friends following the match last year and had planned to practice together Saturday before the tournament began. Then came Friday's draw.
"It's going to be pretty nuts," said Isner to ESPN on Friday. "I couldn't believe it. I joked with him earlier in the week, last week, and said, 'Watch us play each other.' And he said, 'No, there's no way. That's not even funny.'"
The two might have dinner afterward and enjoy the humor of the situation, but if the match turns out to be anything like last year, they may never want to see each other again.
