Ben Shelton returned to No.2 Court at Wimbledon with one goal: wrap up his second-round match against Rinky Hijikata as quickly as possible. After play was halted the previous evening due to fading light, Shelton needed just 69 seconds to seal the win. He fired three aces and a service winner to complete a 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 victory, stunning fans with the speed and precision of his finish.
Press conference reveals calm and confidence
Speaking to the media afterward, Shelton joked about his prediction from the night before. “I told them I only needed 60 seconds,” he said with a smile. He described how he abandoned his original game plan and improvised once he felt the rhythm of his serve. “Once I get my first ace in a service game, my confidence goes through the roof,” he added.
Reflecting on the delay and overnight mindset
Shelton also addressed the decision to suspend play, explaining his frustration and confusion. “I was already serving for the match,” he recalled, noting that he had pleaded with officials to let him finish. Despite the interruption, he managed to stay mentally sharp overnight, focusing on how to execute his final service game.
Looking ahead to the next challenge
With the win, Shelton advances to the third round where he will face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. The match promises to be a physical test, as Fucsovics also came through a five-set battle. Shelton, currently ranked 10th in the ATP Live Race to Turin, is aiming to match his fourth-round result from last year and push further into the draw.
Shelton in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked no.10 (career-high), Shelton has an overall 21-14 record in 2025. The American is participating in Wimbledon where he conquered 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 on Saturday at 5:00 pm on Court 1. They have never competed against each other so far in top tournaments.
Shelton was the runner-up in Munich (BMW Open).