**Wimbledon Star Issues Public Apology After 70-Second Match Finish**
Tennis fans at Wimbledon were left surprised and, for some, disappointed on Friday afternoon as American player Ben Shelton swiftly concluded his second-round clash in just 70 seconds, before apologising live on court to spectators for the lack of competitive action. The brief encounter capped off a sequence of controversial events at the All England Club that began the previous night.
Shelton, seeded 10th at this year’s tournament, had been competing against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in what promised to be an exciting match. However, on Thursday evening, play was suspended at 9.30pm due to fading light, with Shelton leading two sets to love and poised to serve out the match at 5-4 in the third set. The decision by officials to halt proceedings came despite Shelton’s earlier request to delay the start of the third set, fearing exactly this scenario would unfold.
The interruption did little to ease tensions, as both Shelton and the assembled crowd expressed frustration with the late-night suspension. Shelton, clearly irked at missing out on a full day of rest and recovery, argued with the umpire, while fans voiced their disapproval from the stands.
Returning to Court 2 on Friday, Shelton wasted no time in closing out the contest. In just over a minute, the American completed his victory, sealing a 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win, and booked his place in Wimbledon’s third round. The brevity of play, however, left many in the audience feeling short-changed after braving ticket queues and eager anticipation for a competitive match.
Addressing the audience moments after his win, Shelton offered a heartfelt apology for the unusual circumstances. Speaking to the BBC, he remarked, “I’m sorry that you guys didn’t really get to see much tennis. No rallies, but hopefully the rest of the matches today, and my match tomorrow, you see a little bit more tennis.” The apologetic tone was evident, as Shelton recognised the disappointment for ticket holders expecting a contest worthy of Wimbledon’s reputation.
Even the post-match interview was beset by teething problems, with both Shelton’s and the interviewer’s microphones malfunctioning at the outset, rendering their comments inaudible for part of the crowd. The technical hitch, coupled with the rapid match finish, prompted the interviewer to quip, “You won too quickly!” – a moment of levity amidst the day’s anti-climax.
Shelton’s swift progression to the next round means he will next face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics on Saturday. The American will now turn his attention to preparations for this fixture, though questions remain about tournament scheduling and the broader impact of late-evening suspensions on players’ performance and rest.
In the aftermath, debate continues around the decision to halt Thursday’s match. Former American star CoCo Vandeweghe offered her sympathy for Shelton, commenting on sports broadcaster ESPN, “If I’m Ben Shelton, I’m really furious right now that I’m not able to serve it out. Four points, four serves, it could be over. I would have preferred to play it out, but you have to think of both players.”
Vandeweghe emphasised that proper rest days are crucial, especially for those progressing deep into the tournament. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint, these are the days you count on. Your days off, Ben is really looking forward to, more so than the later rounds,” she explained, highlighting a concern echoed annually as Wimbledon organisers strive to balance tradition and athlete welfare.
As Wimbledon continues, the episode offers a reminder of how external factors can impact even the world’s premier sporting events. Fans and pundits alike will no doubt hope for more uninterrupted tennis – and fewer 70-second finales – as the tournament unfolds.