Wimbledon 2023: Unexpected Twists and Surprising Outcomes
A Brief Return to the Court for Ben Shelton
In a remarkable turn of events at Wimbledon, American rising star Ben Shelton was called back onto the grass courts on Friday, despite having only a fleeting moment to finish his match. Official reports indicate that Shelton needed just 1 minute and 24 seconds to complete his duties, which involved sealing his second-round victory after a suspended match from the previous day. Shelton’s explosive serve-hitting four aces in quick succession-secured his win and propelled him into the third round against Hungarian player Marton Fucsovics.
Following his quick victory, Shelton consulted with his team about cooling down and preparing for his upcoming match. “Do you want to do the cooldown now?” he asked, to which his team responded affirmatively, noting a media obligation in about 20 minutes. Shelton then wondered whether he should shower, completing his post-match routine with practiced ease, despite not breaking much of a sweat.
The Tournament’s Surprising Trends: Upsets and Suspended Matches
This year’s Wimbledon has been characterized by a series of unexpected upsets among seeded players, alongside a handful of matches suspended under unusual circumstances. One of the most notable surprises was the early exit of No. 6 seed Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, who was defeated 6-3, 6-3 by Laura Siegemund, a seasoned German player with a modest singles record at Wimbledon. Siegemund, who has previously reached the doubles quarterfinals here, has never advanced beyond the second round in singles.
In the upcoming fourth round, Siegemund will face Solana Sierra, a 21-year-old Argentine who entered the main draw as a lucky loser after losing in the qualifying rounds. Remarkably, Sierra was told she had a spot in the main draw only 15 minutes before her first-round match due to another player’s withdrawal. With limited experience on grass, Sierra now has a real shot at reaching the quarterfinals-a rare feat for a player so new to the surface.
Similarly, No. 5 seed Taylor Fritz advanced to the fourth round after narrowly avoiding an upset. Fritz secured his victory in four sets against No. 26 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, demonstrating resilience amid the tournament’s unpredictability. Fritz’s match was also suspended, as his first-round encounter was halted just before the fifth set, adding to the tournament’s list of unusual interruptions.
The Challenge of Match Suspensions and Night Play
One of the defining features of this year’s Wimbledon has been the frequency of suspended matches, often due to fading daylight and weather conditions. Shelton’s match against Hijikata was played late into the evening on Court No. 2, an outdoor court lacking artificial lighting or a roof. With Shelton just one game away from victory, officials informed him that the electronic line-calling system-Hawk-Eye-would soon be shut down due to insufficient light, risking the completion of the match.
Grass courts are particularly susceptible to becoming slippery and hazardous when temperatures drop and dew settles in the evening, further complicating play. Shelton recounted the moment: “They gave a five-minute warning before Hawk-Eye would go down, including the changeover. I told them I only needed 60 seconds, but that wasn’t enough.” Consequently, play was suspended overnight, and Shelton returned the following morning to finish his match.
Shelton’s Strategic Approach to Serving on Grass
Despite his reputation for powerful serving-hitting aces on 11.2% of his serves this season, ranking ninth on the tour-Shelton’s game plan was not solely about blasting aces. He has been working to diversify his game, especially on grass, where precision and placement are crucial.
Shelton explained that relying solely on big serves can be risky if not executed with accuracy. “When opponents expect a chip or block return, a big serve that isn’t well-placed can land low and give them an advantage,” he said. Instead, he focused on delivering consistent, well-placed first serves to keep his opponent on the defensive, aiming to set up easier rallies.
However, during Friday’s resumption, Shelton’s strategy shifted. His first serve was guessed incorrectly by Hijikata, prompting Shelton to trust his instincts. This gamble paid off with a series of powerful shots: a 141-mph ace, a 107-mph second-serve winner, a 140-mph ace, and a 118-mph ace, showcasing his raw serving talent.
The Shortest Match in Wimbledon History?
Shelton’s swift victory has sparked curiosity about the shortest match in Wimbledon history. While official records are limited, the tournament’s best estimate points to a 2012 first-round women’s match between Sara Errani and Coco Vandeweghe, which was suspended by rain with Errani on match point. When play resumed the next day, Vandeweghe committed a double fault, ending the match in just seven seconds.
Shelton’s rapid performance, though not officially recorded as the shortest, exemplifies the unpredictable and often lightning-fast nature of tennis on grass courts. As the tournament continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if more matches break records for speed and surprise outcomes.