Ben Shelton wraps up victory in just 69 seconds at Wimbledon
- Ben Shelton and Rinky Hijikata's match at Wimbledon was suspended due to darkness with Shelton leading 5-4 in the third set.
- After a lengthy break, Shelton returned the next day and completed his match by winning three aces in just 69 seconds.
- Shelton's swift victory enhances his reputation as he moves forward in the tournament, aiming for further success.
On July 3, 2025, in London, England, American tennis player Ben Shelton faced Australian Rinky Hijikata in the second round of Wimbledon. The match was suspended due to fading light the previous evening, leaving Shelton in a position to serve for the match at 5-4 in the third set. After a near sixteen-hour break, they returned to the court on the afternoon of July 4. Following the necessary warm-up, Shelton quickly resumed play, serving three booming aces to secure a straight-sets victory with scores of 6-2, 7-5, and 6-4 in an unprecedented 69 seconds. This rapid conclusion came as a surprise to both spectators and the players themselves, as Shelton had anticipated a longer warm-up period. The young American expressed his gratitude towards the fans for their patience and reiterated his aims to improve his game during subsequent rounds. He acknowledged the unusual situation of having little to no real gameplay the day before, saying that despite nerves about serving to finish the match, he couldn't have been happier with how it turned out. Shelton, who is seeded 10th at this year's Wimbledon, had previously reached the final four at two other Grand Slam tournaments in the last year, demonstrating his growing prominence in the tennis world. He effectively blocked out distractions, focusing solely on ending the match as quickly as possible after having only needed to complete four points on his serve. His performance solidified his stature as a formidable player in the tournament, establishing expectations for his next match against Marton Fucsovics. The match's interruption highlighted the challenges faced in outdoor tennis events, where natural light can dictate play. Umpire Nacho Forcadell had explained that the electronic line calling technology, crucial for officiating, would cease to operate in dimming conditions, making it impossible to continue safely. This acknowledgment indicates the importance of scheduling matches appropriately based on the time of day, especially in high-stakes tournaments like Wimbledon that feature prominent athletes and high visitor attendance.