ECHOSPORT reporter Chris Phillips made close to £14,000 for charity after replicating one of Wimbledon’s most famous ever matches on Saturday.

Phillips played tennis for 11 hours and five minutes at Southend Lawn Tennis Club to equal the mammoth clash between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at the Championships back in 2010.

And Phillips thoroughly enjoyed the fundraiser for South East and Central Essex Mind.

“I was a lot more nervous than I thought I would be before getting started but in the end it was great,” said Phillips.

“My opponents changed every 30 minutes and everyone was just fantastic on and off the court.

“They all helped to keep me going and I actually really enjoyed it because of the people I was surrounded by.

“My arm is aching and I’ve got a few painful blisters but I feel better than I thought I would.”

Phillips started at 10am before finishing shortly after 9pm.

And he was surprised by just how much money was raised.

“When we first started planning this I honestly thought we would do well to make £5,000 so to get to the amount we have done is so good,” said Phillips.

“When it comes to mental health it’s also important to raise awareness as well so I hope we’ve been able to do that.

“No one should ever feel like they’re alone or the only one suffering with these kind of issues so it’s important to speak out.

“I struggle with my mental health and it’s something I have to constantly manage but that gives me a passion to try and do whatever I can to help.”

Phillips’ fundraiser - which was sponsored by Rickard Luckin - also caught the imagination of high-profile tennis stars with Judy Murray, Sue Barker and Ryan Peniston all sending videos of encouragement along with Today at Wimbledon reporter Qasa Albam.

Wimbledon legend Martina Navratilova sent her support on social media while current stars Sir Andy Murray, Taylor Fritz, Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula signed tennis balls for the raffle.

Phillips also met Mahut in the build up to the event while closer to home, Southend United head coach Kevin Maher was among those in action at the weekend, along with ex Shrimpers manager Steve Tilson and current Gillingham boss Neil Harris.

Paul Peniston - father of Ryan - also played alongside Phillips who also runs his own mental health support group.

“I set up Run Free three years ago now and it uses the power of sport to support those who are suffering with any kind of mental health issue,” said Phillips.

“I’m also a trustee for Mind in our area which is something I’m proud of and also means I know just how much the charity will benefit from the money.”

However, Phillips will now be watching tennis rather than playing this week as he heads back to Wimbledon to see the sport’s biggest stars.

“Hopefully I’ll still be able to move this week and I’m so excited to be going back to Wimbledon,” said Phillips.

“When I was younger my two biggest dreams were to report on Southend United and to report on the tennis at Wimbledon.

“I absolutely love it there but I just hope no-one ends up playing for more than 11 hours and five minutes or I might have to repeat all of this again next summer!

>Chris can still be sponsored for the event here