Ben Shelton of the U.S. smiles after failing to return the ball to Rinky Hijikata of Australia during their second round men's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Thursday, July 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Joanna Chan)

Wimbledon: Ben Shelton is 1 game away from winning when his match is suspended because of darkness

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LONDON (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Ben Shelton’s second-round match at Wimbledon was suspended because of fading light with him a game away from beating Rinky Hijikata on Thursday night.

The 10th-seeded Shelton was about to serve for the match while leading 6-2, 7-5, 5-4 when action was halted at No. 2 Court, which does not have a roof or artificial lights.

Shelton, a 22-year-old American, had just held three match points in the previous game, up 5-3 and love-40 as Hijikata served. But the 87th-ranked Australian grabbed the next five points in a row to extend the contest.

Play was stopped at 9:30 p.m. They will resume on Friday.

The left-handed, big-serving Shelton reached the fourth round at the All England Club a year ago. He made it to the semifinals at the 2023 U.S. Open and the 2025 Australian Open.

Ben Shelton of the U.S., top, returns to Rinky Hijikata of Australia during their second round men’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Thursday, July 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Joanna Chan)
Rinky Hijikata of Australia reacts after winning a point against Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their second round men’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Thursday, July 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Joanna Chan)

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