By Chris Oddo

(August 3, 2012) -- In a tournament that is becoming known for its long, dramatic matches, Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro added the latest mind-bending marathon to the Olympic tennis narrative with a stirring four hour and twenty-six minute affair.

Federer’s 3-6, 7-6(5), 19-17 victory is the longest men’s singles three-set match of the Open Era, eclipsing Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s four hour and twelve-minute match in Madrid in 2009.

In the end, Roger Federer's quest for his first Olympic gold medal in men's singles was still alive.

The World No. 1 will face the winner of this afternoon's other semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in Sunday's gold medal match, with the chance to become the first male player in tennis history to own all four Grand Slam titles plus gold medals in Olympic singles and doubles.

As for Del Potro, even in spite of the loss, his spirited effort reminds us all of what a remarkable talent he is.

“God it was so close,” said Federer afterwards. “Bit of luck for sure, and I got that today.”

With such luminaries as Bill Gates and Kobe Bryant in the Centre Court crowd, Federer and Del Potro engaged in a spirited grass-court battle that featured clutch serving and plenty of bedazzling rallies to keep the crowd entertained.

Federer struggled to convert break points all day. He was O for 1 in the first set, 0 for 3 in the second, and he missed on his first three in the decider.

But the 17-time Grand Slam champion, still seeking his first Olympic gold medal in singles, would get plenty more chances.

Things looked to be heading to a conclusion when Federer broke the Argentine to move ahead 10-9, but Del Potro quickly broke back at love to level at 10-10.

At 14-all, Federer earned triple break point against Del Potro, but the World No. 23 fought his way out of that jam, drilling a cross-court forehand that Federer couldn’t handle to save the third break point.

After earning another triple break point, Federer broke again to lead 18-17 when Del Potro netted a backhand after a long rally, and took the balls to serve out the match.

Federer found his way to match point but netted a backhand on a makeable volley at the net. The Swiss then earned another match point with a forehand winner, and this time he made it count.

After Federer swooped in to slice a ball that had clipped the let cord to bounce into the midcourt, del Potro’s backhand found the net. 

The two exchanged in an emotional embrace at the net, and in a post-match interview Federer was clearly emotional that he had become Switzerland's first medal winner at the 2012 Olympic games, saying "it's big," but barely able to speak from emotion.

(Photo Credit: Getty)