Ben Shelton showcased his impressive skills on Friday, wrapping up a swift victory over Rinky Hijikata in the second round of Wimbledon with a score of 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. The match had been suspended due to darkness the night before, with Shelton serving at 5-4 in the third set.
The 10th-seeded Shelton was not aiming for a flurry of aces, yet he served four within a minute once play resumed, delivering a stunning 141 mph ace to kick things off. Despite some drama the previous night—when Shelton expressed frustration over the match’s interruption—he maintained a positive outlook on returning to action a few hours later. “It’s never ideal, mentally, having to wake up another day and be on and know that it’s a match day,” he said, highlighting the challenges players face in such situations.
Shelton, who has previously reached the semifinals at the U.S. Open and Australian Open, now looks forward to his next challenge against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, ranked 105th. He remains focused and prepared, demonstrating resilience in adapting to the unusual circumstances of having to conclude a match the next day.
Hijikata noted the peculiar nature of the situation, but the intense atmosphere and quick resolution became a testament to Shelton’s talent and mindset. His ability to pivot from frustration to formidable performance provides an inspiring example of sportsmanship and determination.
With Shelton poised to potentially reach the fourth round at Wimbledon for the second consecutive year, fans can look forward to more thrilling displays as the tournament progresses.