Ben Shelton’s Wimbledon Match Suspended Due to Darkness

In a dramatic turn of events at Wimbledon 2025, American tennis player Ben Shelton and his supporters experienced shock and disappointment when officials suspended his match against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata just moments before he was set to serve for victory. This unexpected interruption occurred at 9:29 PM local time, with Shelton leading the third set 5-4.

The Unfortunate Timing of Suspension

As play was halted due to inadequate lighting on No. 2 Court—an area lacking a roof or artificial illumination—Shelton expressed his frustration openly. ESPN’s commentators described his reaction as “understandable” given the circumstances. In a moment of tension, he rushed towards the chair umpire, visibly angered by the decision.

• Match score before suspension: Shelton was ahead in the first two sets with scores of 6-2 and 7-5.
• Third set lead: 5-4 when play was called off.
• Original requests: Both players had separately asked officials for a break in play over 30 minutes prior to the official suspension, highlighting the fading light.

“A bad decision forced another bad decision,” stated ESPN analyst James Blake, criticizing the timing of the suspension.

Reactions from the Crowd and Players

Despite the frustration, Shelton did receive a warm ovation from the crowd as he prepared to exit the court. This emotional support underscored his growing popularity among tennis fans as he seeks his first career Grand Slam win, following a commendable performance that took him to the fourth round at Wimbledon last year.

Implications for the Players

The suspension means Shelton will return on Friday to resume the match, eliminating the possibility of a full day of rest during the tournament. This could potentially impact his performance in subsequent rounds.

Statements from Officials

Responding to concerns about the suspension, a representative from the tournament stated to The Athletic that, “due to poor light it was not possible to continue,” and there was “no option to move to another court.” Such statements underline the unique challenges posed by outdoor matches at renowned venues like Wimbledon.

Conclusion

The abrupt end to the match has sparked discussion about the rules governing play conditions at major tennis events. As Shelton prepares for the resumption of his match against Hijikata, the tension builds among fans and analysts alike. For now, all eyes will be on whether he can convert his previous momentum into a decisive victory.

Stay tuned for updates as the match continues, and follow the ATP Tour for further information on Shelton’s journey through this year’s Wimbledon.