The scoreline is already unprecedented, and records tumbled on Court 18 as the final set unfolded. It will continue today, though not before 3.30pm, tournament organisers announced.

The match is the longest in grand slam history, and also creates new benchmarks for the most games played in a single set and match, while both players also surpassed the previous record for aces - with Isner claiming a new record of 98 and Mahut hitting 95.

They had been locked together at two sets all when darkness fell on Tuesday, and there was no indication of what drama might be to come.

Both players held their serve for an incredible 118 games in the decider - indeed neither player has broken serve since the second set - before the enveloping gloom over SW19 brought a halt to proceedings.

Mahut was keen to call it a day, and the decision was taken to try for a result tomorrow.

Isner told the BBC: "We both couldn't agree to play, so it got cancelled.

"Nothing like this will ever happen again ever. He's serving fantastic, I'm serving fantastic and there is nothing more to it."

Mahut added: "He's a champion and we are fighting like we never did before."

The courtside scoreboard packed up after around eight hours, perhaps unable to cope with the rapidly increasing numbers it was being asked to process.

Roger Federer, who managed to watch some of the final set before and after his match against Ilija Bozoljac, was amazed.

"I love this. I know they're maybe not loving this, but I guess this is unheard of in our game. Normally there are breaks in tennis matches," Federer said.

"John is barely moving anymore, but he's still able to produce good serves when he has to. It's so impressive to see. I was watching this. I don't know if I was crying or laughing. It was too much."

He added: "Unfortunately there's going to be a loser. But I think both will come out as winners, that's for sure."

Isner forced match point at 10-9 before Mahut fought back to hold. The American also forced two break points at 33-32 but his gritty opponent once again batted the danger away to maintain the status quo.

An air shot from Isner at 41-41 underlined the extent to which fatigue was beginning to affect the players, although of course the giant American rallied to hold.

In the 101st game, Mahut brought up his first break points of the decider, but in keeping with the contest the American - who appeared to be feeling the pace more than his opponent - fought back as he again cranked up his formidable serve.

Isner brought up match point at 59-58, but Mahut sent down an ace to see that off before another thumping serve forced the error on the return and the American's chance was gone for the night.