Taylor Fritz expressed strong frustration after his opening-round Wimbledon match was stopped due to the tournament’s curfew, forcing play to resume the next day. The American was competing against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Monday when the referee ended the session around 10:20 p.m., despite Fritz’s desire to complete the match that evening.
The match started with Perricard showcasing formidable power, delivering a serve at 153 mph—the fastest ever recorded at Wimbledon. Fritz, trailing by two sets early on, mounted a determined comeback to even the score at two sets apiece by late evening.
Fritz’s Disbelief at the Timing of the Match Suspension
Fritz was caught off guard when the referee halted the match before the final set, even though there appeared to be enough time to finish within the official 11 p.m. stop window. He stated he was mentally set on completing the contest that night, as both players had been informed prior to the match that play could continue until 11 p.m.
“I was mentally in the headspace of like, we are finishing this match tonight. They told us before the match, ‘Hey, are you good to play until 11? We’re gonna stop at 11.’ So when I’m looking at the clock at the end of the fourth set I was thinking, ‘Oh it’s 10, there’s no way they’re stop us, we’re for sure playing this fifth set’. The idea of stopping wasn’t even in my mind.” —Taylor Fritz said at the press conference
Despite the seeming possibility to continue, Fritz was repeatedly questioned by the referee about whether he wished to keep playing. This persistent questioning irritated him, as the decision to stop had already been communicated.
“I get it we both have to agree and if we don’t then the referee makes a decision. What I didn’t understand was why the referee, after he said what his decision was…he kept asking me. I think he just wanted me to like agree with them. But I said I don’t know why you keep asking me because I want to play. Stop asking me.” —Taylor Fritz added
Resuming Play and Securing Victory Over Perricard
The following day, Fritz resumed the match against Perricard and completed a remarkable comeback, winning with a scoreline of 6-7(8), 6-7(10), 6-4, 7-6(6), 6-4. The final set lasted 37 minutes, suggesting that had the match continued on Monday, it could have concluded before the curfew.
This victory marked Fritz’s first win over the French player, who has claimed two singles titles in his career but had yet to secure a title this season. Fritz’s performance in Wimbledon has generally been steady, having reached his best result last year by advancing to the fourth round as a qualifier.
Up Next: Fritz’s Upcoming Clash With Gabriel Diallo
Taylor Fritz will face Gabriel Diallo in the second round, marking their first meeting. Diallo, a Canadian player, advanced by defeating Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, achieving his first-ever second-round appearance at Wimbledon.
Diallo is gradually building his reputation in Grand Slam tournaments, having reached the third round of the 2024 US Open—the furthest in a major event so far.
Fritz himself has a solid Wimbledon history, reaching the quarterfinal stage in both 2022 and 2024. Last year, his run was halted by Lorenzo Musetti, who defeated him in four sets.
Fritz’s Grass-Court Achievements and Aspirations
Prior to Wimbledon 2024, Fritz collected two grass-court titles. He defeated World No. 3 Alexander Zverev at the Stuttgart Open, experienced an early exit at the Queen’s Club Championships, and then won the Eastbourne International by overcoming fellow American Jenson Brooksby.
With aspirations for his sixth career grass-court title, Fritz’s path this year could involve a significant semifinal match against two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, potentially shaping up after the quarterfinal and before a possible final encounter with the top-ranked player and 2024 US Open champion Jannik Sinner.
Context of Fritz’s Career and Recent Performance
Fritz’s highest Grand Slam achievement remains his final appearance at the 2024 US Open, where he was defeated by Sinner. His consistent performances on grass courts highlight his growing strength on this surface, with victories over top-ranked players bolstering his confidence heading into the Wimbledon rounds.
On the other hand, Perricard’s form this season has been less impressive, as he has not recorded a tournament victory. Despite his powerful serve and promising gameplay, consistent results have eluded him so far.
The Impact of the Curfew Controversy on the Match and Player Mindsets
The interruption of Fritz’s match due to the 11 p.m. curfew has underscored ongoing debates about the scheduling constraints at Wimbledon and their effect on players’ momentum and mental focus. Fritz’s visible frustration brought attention to how such regulations interact with the players’ psychological preparation during tight or extended contests.
This incident also highlights the role of officiating communication in high-pressure situations, as the repeated inquiries from the referee seemed to unsettle Fritz despite the predetermined rules.
As the tournament progresses, how Wimbledon’s curfew policy is applied in future matches may become a point of review, particularly for those aligns with match timing affecting player performance.