Ben Shelton’s Wimbledon match was suspended late Thursday due to fading light, leaving the American star with unfinished business after a tense fourth-round encounter against Rinky Hijikata in London. The rescheduled continuation is set for 12:30 pm local time on Friday, heightening anticipation among fans and players over the outcome of this gripping contest.
Unexpected suspension stalls Shelton’s near-certain victory
Thursday night’s match at Wimbledon saw Ben Shelton just one game away from victory in his fourth-round match against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata. Shelton, the tournament’s tenth seed, had a commanding lead at 6-2, 7-5, 5-4 and was poised to serve for the match. Despite three match points on Hijikata’s serve, none were converted, and as darkness crept over Court 2, officials abruptly suspended play at 9:29 pm due to poor light.
Shelton and Hijikata had raised concerns about the fading light twice during the third set, yet they were instructed to continue. The sudden halt frustrated Shelton, who left the court visibly upset as the match was left incomplete under rapidly dimming skies.
A Wimbledon representative explained,
“Due to poor light, it was not possible to continue and not an option to move to another court,”
highlighting the limitations despite other courts like Centre Court and No. 1 Court, equipped with roofs and lighting, being unavailable that evening.
Resumption details and day’s schedule at Wimbledon
The match will restart on Court 2 on Friday at 12:30 pm local time. Earlier in the day, Naomi Osaka will face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on the same court at 11 am. Shelton, currently the highest-ranked player remaining in his section of the draw, will aim to finish what many expected to be a straightforward win before darkness intervened.
This scheduling contrasts with previous Wimbledon matches disrupted by poor light, such as last year’s Leylah Fernandez and Caroline Wozniacki encounter, where players were relocated under the roof on Court No. 1 to complete their match. Shelton and Hijikata, however, had no such option, deepening the debate about equal treatment during late-session matches.
Ben Shelton’s performance and reaction amid match controversy
Ben Shelton’s Wimbledon campaign has been marked by impressive resilience and skill. The American has yet to lose serve and has saved all three break points he faced so far. Against Hijikata, he broke serve four times from 12 opportunities and is positioned to advance to the third round for the second straight year with a potential 2-0 head-to-head lead against the Australian.
Despite his strong performance on court, Shelton’s frustration boiled over off the court. Hours after the suspension, he posted a candid and emotionally charged series of photos on Instagram, accompanied by the caption:
“They ain’t wanna see anything else from me tonight, but I’ll see y’all tomorrow.”
The images captured moments of intensity, including Shelton saluting the crowd, resting in the stands near his girlfriend Trinity Rodman, and pleading with the chair umpire over the lighting situation.
Sportscasters and commentators covering the event expressed their disappointment over the suspension, reflecting widespread frustration among fans and observers. The crowd’s roar as Shelton exited Court 2 reflected strong support for the American as he prepared to resume play the next day.
Historical context: Light suspensions and fairness at Wimbledon
Wimbledon has a history of matches disrupted by failing light, raising ongoing questions about fairness and court availability after hours. The earlier example involving Leylah Fernandez and Caroline Wozniacki showcased how certain top matches are moved to lighted courts to conclude, a privilege not extended in Shelton’s case. This uneven policy enforcement has led to criticism of tournament officials and concerns about the impact on players’ performances and opportunities.
With such inconsistencies, the handling of late-night matches at Wimbledon remains a contentious issue, adding tension to already high-pressure situations for competitors vying for advancement at the prestigious Grand Slam event in London.
What lies ahead for Shelton and the Wimbledon tournament
As Ben Shelton prepares to return to Court 2 at 12:30 pm on Friday, all eyes will be on the American to see if he can close out the match that was halted so controversially. His advancement would solidify his standing as a leading American contender and affirm his strong start to the grass-court season. However, the disruption has introduced uncertainty and extra pressure, which could influence the remainder of the match.
The situation also shines a spotlight on Wimbledon’s scheduling and lighting policies, potentially prompting further discussion or review by tournament organizers aimed at preventing similar episodes in future years. For tennis enthusiasts, players, and officials alike, the settling of this dramatic fourth-round encounter will be a significant moment in this year’s championship.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ben Shelton sponsored by Rolex?
A. In 2024, Ben Shelton was chosen to represent Rolex as a Testimonee.