Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Shelton Advances to Wimbledon Round of 16 After Overnight Suspension

Wimbledon’s curfew rules reshaped Shelton’s match into a two-day affair that he concluded with four unreturnable serves to reach the round of 16

Image
Ben Shelton returned to the court for just 71 seconds as he wrapped up victory against Rinky Hijikata
Image
Image

Overview

  • Shelton’s second-round match against Rinky Hijikata was halted at 5-4 in the third set when fading light on unlit Court Two forced play to stop late Thursday night
  • The American returned roughly 16 hours later and wrapped up the remaining game in just 71 seconds, firing four unreturnable serves—three of them aces—to seal a 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 victory
  • Wimbledon’s strict 11 p.m. curfew on courts without roofs and its full electronic line calling system combine to trigger match suspensions once visibility deteriorates
  • On Saturday, the 10th seed beat Hungary’s Márton Fucsovics in straight sets to secure his spot among the final 16 for the second consecutive year
  • Shelton’s dominant serve has been the backbone of his SW19 run as he targets his first Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance