Ben Shelton’s second-round match at Wimbledon 2025 against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata was on the brink of conclusion Thursday evening when officials halted play due to fading light. The American, leading 6-2, 7-5, 5-4, was just one game away from victory on No. 2 Court, which lacks floodlights or a retractable roof. The decision to suspend play at 9:29 p.m. local time sparked frustration from Shelton and disappointment from the crowd, many of whom chanted for one more game.
A Swift Return to Seal the Win
When play resumed Friday afternoon, Shelton wasted no time. In a dazzling display of power and precision, he served three aces and delivered an unreturned serve to close out the match in just 69 seconds. The final score stood at 6-2, 7-5, 6-4, propelling the 22-year-old into the third round for the second consecutive year.
Emotions Run High on Court
Shelton’s frustration the previous night was evident. After officials called the match, he approached the umpire in protest, visibly upset that he wasn’t allowed to finish what he had nearly completed. Both players had reportedly questioned the visibility earlier in the set, but were instructed to continue until the abrupt halt. The crowd’s reaction mirrored Shelton’s dismay, with audible boos echoing through the court.
Looking Ahead in the Tournament
Ranked No. 10 in the world, Shelton continues to build on a strong season that includes a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open earlier this year. His next opponent will be Hungarian lucky loser Márton Fucsovics. A win would match Shelton’s best Wimbledon result to date, having reached the fourth round in 2024.
A Rising Star with Momentum
Shelton’s ability to maintain composure and deliver under pressure has become a hallmark of his game. With his powerful left-handed serve and growing confidence on grass, he remains one of the top American hopes at this year’s Championships. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether he can push deeper into the draw and challenge for his first Grand Slam title.
Shelton in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025
At the moment ranked no.10 (career-high), Shelton achieved a composed 21-14 win-loss record in 2025. Ben is participating in Wimbledon where he defeated the world no.179 Alex Bolt 6-4 7-6(1) 7-6 and the world no.87 Rinky Hijikata 6-2 7-5 6-4.
Ben Shelton will take on the world no.105 Marton Fucsovics in the 3rd round. In the past, they have never competed against each other so far on the main tour.
The American was the runner-up in Munich (BMW Open).
Rinky Hijikata in 2025
Ranked world no.87, Hijikata played his last match on the 1st of January 1970 when he surrendered to world no.10 Ben Shelton 6-2 7-5 6-4 in the 2nd round in Wimbledon (draw).
Currently, during this year Rinky has a 16-22 win-loss record. Rinky Hijikata’s best result of the current year was reaching the semifinal in the Bordeaux Challenger and the Birmingham Challenger.
Ben Shelton and Rinky Hijikata squared off 4 times. Their record is 3-1 for Shelton.