Wimbledon 2025: Ben Shelton's Match Suspended Against Hijikata

LONDON - In a dramatic turn of events at Wimbledon 2025, American tennis player Ben Shelton found himself just one game away from advancing to the third round when his match against Australian Rinky Hijikata was suspended due to darkness on July 3, 2025. The match, held on No. 2 Court, was called off at 9:29 p.m. local time, just ten minutes after sunset, with Shelton leading 6-2, 7-5, 5-4 and serving for match point.

The decision to suspend the match drew significant reaction from the crowd, which expressed their discontent through boos and chants of "one more game." Shelton, ranked No. 10 in the world and one of the top American men remaining in the tournament, was visibly frustrated as he argued with officials following the ruling. He had previously raised concerns about conditions as the sun set, yet was instructed to continue playing.

According to the All England Club, matches on No. 2 Court do not benefit from a roof or artificial lighting, limiting play availability as daylight wanes. Shelton and Hijikata's match had been delayed due to the preceding matches, with Shelton's encounter starting at 7 p.m. local time after multiple lengthy matches had taken place earlier in the day.

Dr. Linda Roberts, a sports management expert at the University of California, Los Angeles, noted that scheduling conflicts like this often occur in tournaments where multiple matches are held sequentially. "It's critical for event organizers to consider daylight hours and player welfare, especially during major tournaments like Wimbledon," she stated in a 2023 interview with Sports Management Review.

As the match was halted, Shelton had a chance to secure victory earlier in the set, having taken a commanding 40-0 lead at one point. However, Hijikata regrouped, eventually winning the game and narrowing the gap to 5-4 before the match was suspended. This unexpected pause means that the match will resume on Friday, providing both players with additional time to prepare for the final moments of their intense contest.

The implications of match suspensions in tennis extend beyond the immediate outcome of a game. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Sports Science, match interruptions can affect player performance, with psychological factors playing a significant role. "Players often face challenges in maintaining focus and momentum after a break, especially in high-stakes situations like Wimbledon," explained Dr. Michael Thompson, a sports psychologist at Stanford University.

As the tournament progresses, Shelton remains a strong contender, and the continuation of this match will be critical not only for his championship aspirations but also for the narrative surrounding his emerging career. Hijikata, too, has proven to be a formidable opponent, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the match. The outcome will not only affect the players' standings but will also contribute to the ongoing storylines of Wimbledon 2025, a tournament that has already seen several upsets.

With the match resuming on July 4, tennis fans will be watching closely to see if Shelton can close out the match or if Hijikata can mount a comeback. The stakes are high as both players aim for a spot in the next round of one of tennis's most prestigious events.