Boris Becker has voiced strong disapproval over the controversial suspension of the Wimbledon second-round match between Ben Shelton and Rinky Hijikata. The match was halted just as Shelton was about to serve for victory, sparking confusion and frustration among players, fans, and commentators alike. Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, took to social media to question the decision, calling it unnecessary and poorly timed.
Players wanted to stop earlier, but officials delayed
According to reports, both Shelton and Hijikata had requested a suspension nearly 30 minutes before the match was actually paused due to fading light and slippery court conditions. Despite their concerns, officials instructed them to continue playing. The match was finally stopped when Shelton was one game away from winning, having just missed three match points in the previous game. The delay in decision-making left many questioning the consistency of tournament protocols.
Becker’s reaction highlights broader concerns
Becker’s criticism focused on the lack of clarity and timing in the referee’s decision. He wrote, “Why suspend the match, when both players want to continue… Shelton was about to serve for the match and never lost his serve in the entire match!!! Nobody understands the referee’s decision!” His comments resonated with fans who had booed the decision from the stands, clearly unhappy with how the situation was handled.
Why suspend the match , when both players want to continue…Shelton was about to serve for the match and never lost his serve in the entire match!!!
Nobody understands the referee’s decision! https://t.co/aswQuUP2rI— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) July 4, 2025
Impact on Shelton’s momentum and mindset
Shelton had been playing with confidence, serving at a 70% success rate on second serves and saving all break points he faced. The interruption not only halted his momentum but also introduced uncertainty into a match he had largely controlled. After the suspension, Shelton posted on Instagram, “They ain’t wanna see anything else from me tonight but I’ll see yall tomorrow,” showing his frustration while maintaining composure.
Match suspensions raise questions about consistency
This incident has reignited debate about how and when officials should intervene in matches due to weather or lighting conditions. While safety is a priority, the timing of such decisions can significantly affect the outcome of a match. Becker’s comments reflect a broader concern among players and analysts about the need for clearer, more consistent guidelines.
Looking ahead to the match conclusion
Shelton will resume the match with a narrow lead and the pressure of closing it out under different conditions. Whether the delay will affect his rhythm remains to be seen, but the controversy has already added an unexpected layer of drama to his Wimbledon campaign. As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on how officials handle similar situations moving forward.
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Hijikata in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025
16 – 21win/loss
87
High
62
24 year old
LWWWLWWWLW
Now ranked no.87, the Australian owns an overall 16-21 record in 2025. Rinky is playing at the moment in Wimbledon where he bested the world no.63 David Goffin 6-3 6-1 6-1.
Rinky Hijikata will face the world no.10 Ben Shelton in the 2nd round on Thursday at 6:00 pm on Court 2. Their current record is 2-1 for Shelton.
