The 25-year-old Isner, of Tampa, Fla., was heretofore best known — if known at all — for upsetting fellow American Roddick in the U.S. Open’s third round last year, and never before had won a match at the All England Club. The 28-year-old Mahut’s biggest accomplishment probably was his Wimbledon junior title in 2000; as a pro, he’s only once been to the third round at any Grand Slam tournament.

So it was understandable that neither managed more than about three or four hours of sleep Wednesday night, anxious about getting back out there. After all, cozy Court 18 might have only 782 seats, but it had become their big stage.

“Not often do I steal the show from a guy like Federer, but I think I did,” Isner said.

Roger Federer, who owns a record 16 Grand Slam titles, including six at the All England Club, was among the fellow pros gushing about the enormity of this match.

“I knew it was probably a big deal around the tennis world, because this is Wimbledon, so anybody that follows tennis, all eyes are on this tournament,” Isner said. “It was when I got back to the locker room that I realized, you know, how big of a story it was, really, worldwide.”

And there’s no rest for the weary now. Isner is due at Court 5 on Friday at noon (7 a.m. EDT) to face 49th-ranked Thiemo de Bakker of the Netherlands, whose own first-round victory normally would be considered something extraordinary, because it went to 16-14 in the fifth set.

Ha! 16-14! How mundane.

Whatever else Isner or Mahut may accomplish in tennis, however many matches or titles each may win, they forever will be associated with these three days at the All England Club and one particular score: 70-68.

Isner recognizes that.

He also is intent on adding to his resume.

“This one’s obviously going to stick with me probably the rest of my life, really. But I hope it doesn’t define my career. I think I have what it takes, you know, to do some really big things in this game,” Isner said. “The four biggest tournaments of the year are the Grand Slams. I have probably a good seven, eight years left to try to make a good run at ’em. So hopefully this won’t be the thing that I’m most remembered about.”

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