Imagine this: a second-round Wimbledon match between the world’s 10th-ranked player, American Ben Shelton, and Rinky Hijikata, ATP 87, was stopped right when Shelton was serving for the win! Yes, you read that right. Shelton was leading 6-2, 7-5, 5-4 with a break advantage when referee Nacho Forcadell decided the darkness was too much and called off the match. And not just anytime — right at the moment Shelton was about to seal the deal.
Unsurprisingly, this decision sparked outrage. Shelton was stunned and reacted strongly, expecting to finish the match in just a few more points. Both players asked to continue, but the referee stood firm — the match was suspended. It will resume tomorrow, and Shelton will have to return to the court to play just a few more games to clinch the victory.
To add fuel to the fire, another match at the same stage, between Marton Fucsovics and Gael Monfils, was also stopped and will continue tomorrow.
Such referee decisions at Wimbledon aren’t unheard of, but stopping a match right when a player is serving for the win? That’s a whole new level of drama. What do you think — did the referee go too far, or was he just following the rules? Either way, Ben Shelton will remember this Wimbledon for the unexpected extension and frustration caused by the darkness.
What about you? Could you wait until tomorrow to finish a match when you’re just one step away from victory? Or is this just another proof that tennis referees can sometimes be way too strict? Drop a comment and let’s see which side you’re on in this tennis drama!
