Why was Ben Shelton’s match suspended at Wimbledon? Explaining controversial curfew ruling against American

Ben Shelton needed to win one more game to advance to the third round at Wimbledon, but one of the tournament’s most unique rules got in the way.

With the American up two sets to none and leading 5-4 in the third set of his match with Rinky Hijikata, play was suspended to avoid reaching the curfew that is in place at the All England Club. A handful of matches at this year’s tournament have suffered the same fate, including Taylor Fritz’s first round contest.

Shelton was understandably frustrated because he was on the doorstep of a straight sets victory, and he made his displeasure known to the chair umpire.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Here’s a look at what happened at the end of Ben Shelton’s match on Thursday.

Why was Ben Shelton’s match suspended at Wimbledon?

Shelton’s match at Wimbledon on Thursday was suspended due to darkness at 9:29 p.m. local time. The American had asked the chair umpire to suspend the match at the end of the second set approximately 30 minutes earlier, after he took a commanding 6-2, 7-5 lead, but he was told to continue playing. Shelton was about to serve for the match when play was suspended. 

Ben Shelton reacts to his match against Rinky Hijikata being suspended at 9:29 PM local time.

The match will be resumed tomorrow after play is suspended due to darkness. pic.twitter.com/6X3mFleai0

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 3, 2025

Tennis analyst CoCo Vandeweghe shared in Shelton’s displeasure with the decision. She also brought up the point that the delay means he won’t get a normal day off before his next matchup, should he advance. 

CoCo Vandeweghe: “If I’m Ben Shelton, I’m really furious right now that I’m not able to serve it out.”

James Blake (while having makeup put on after calling the match): “A bad decision forced another bad decision… They could’ve stopped at the end of the second set or at 4-2.” https://t.co/d7qA5sWb96pic.twitter.com/dR3SUdjARb

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 3, 2025

MORE: Wimbledon results 2025: Updated scores, bracket for men’s and women’s tennis singles

Why is there a curfew at Wimbledon?

The Wimbledon curfew is in place to balance the activity of the tournament with the requests of local residents and to help patrons get home safely.

In 2009, when Wimbledon built a new roof on Centre Court with spotlights, an agreement was reached between local officials, tournament organizers and local residents that play would not continue past 11 p.m. Transportation was also taken into account, with the London Underground system closing around midnight on weekdays.

MORE: Why is there a curfew at Wimbledon? Rules and time tennis players have to finish matches

Ben Shelton Wimbledon record

Shelton has a 4-2 record in his career at Wimbledon. He made his first appearance at the tournament in 2023 and lost in the first round. He reached the Round of 16 last year and won his opening match against Alex Bolt in 2025. 

Ben Shelton ranking

Shelton is ranked No. 10 in the world due to his recent success on the ATP tour, including a trip to the Round of 16 at the French Open.

MORE: Who is the world No.1 in men’s tennis? Updated ATP rankings and explainer