Question from Sally in Warwickshire
Ben Shelton’s second-round match against Rinky Hijikata on Thursday was suspended because of dangerous gentle when he was two units up and led 5-4 in the third – so was doubtlessly one recreation from victory.
Wimbledon event director Jamie Baker said the determination to carry Shelton and Hijikata off court was because of “extremely dark” gentle.
Shelton accomplished the match on Friday in 84 seconds, but Baker said the transfer to droop play the earlier night was “definitely the right decision”.
“Our focus at all times is the integrity of the competition. We try, with every decision we make, to be as fair as we possibly can [and] uphold the rules of the tournament,” said Baker.
“We gave the players as much time as we possibly could to try to finish that match. We played till very, very late. It was extremely dark.
“We have a crew of officers who are on the court, and they’re making a judgment call on several various factors, and one of them is how the gamers really feel.
“Ben actually had match point in the last game that he didn’t quite get and then at 5-4, the officials saw how dark it was.
“This is the pinnacle tennis event in the world. They just did not really feel comfy with the match persevering with in nearly full darkness. So we do stand by the determination.
“Sometimes these things happen. Lots of matches to get on court, but yes, it was definitely the right decision from the officials.”
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