London Olympics | Epic tennis match

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates his victory over Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina in the semifinals of the London Olympics men’s singles tennis tournament. Federer won the match, 3-6, 7-6, 19-17. It was the longest match in Olympic history. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press)

Aug. 3, 2012 1:22 PM PT

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Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro play the longest match in Olympic history. Federer comes out on top, 3-6, 7-6, 19-17 to guarantee his first Olympic singles medal and a chance for gold.

Roger Federer of Switzerland clenches his fist in victory after beating Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro on center court at Wimbledon. The match lasted almost five hours and was the longest in Olympic history. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A weary Roger Federer of Switzerland leans on the net during a lengthy third set against Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro. The match lasted nearly five hours. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Juan Martin del Potro, right, and Roger Federer embrace after the men’s singles semifinals. (Martin Bernetti / AFP / Getty Images)

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina suffers a cramp midway through a marathon tennis match against Switerland’s Roger Federer. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates a point against Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Juan Martin del Potro crumbles in pain at the net after losing a point to Roger Federer of Switzerland. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Tennis fans wave their support for Roger Federer of Switzerland. (Andy Rain / EPA)

Juan Martin del Potro flattens the ball with a big forehand return to Roger Federer during their three-set match in the semifinals of the London Olympics. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press)