LONDON, July 13 (Xinhua) -- South African Kevin Anderson won an epic Wimbledon semifinal as he spent six hours and 36 hours beating American John Isner to reach the men's final here on Friday.

Anderson, bidding to become the first South African man in 97 years to reach the Wimbledon final, emerged triumphant in battle of big-serving big men 7-6(6), 6-7(5), 6-7(9), 6-4, 26-24.

The 32-year-old, who shocked top seed and seven-time champion Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, won the second-longest match in Wimbledon history.

Having never progressed beyond the fourth round in nine previous attempts here, last year's US Open runner-up reached the first Wimbledon final of his career.

"Playing like that in those conditions was really tough on both of us," Anderson said. "At the end you feel like it's a draw but someone has to win."