Ben Shelton's Epic 16-Hour Wimbledon Duel Ends with Wild Victory!

Gainesville, USA - In a remarkable turn of events at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, former Florida tennis star Ben Shelton advanced to the third round in a match that lasted over 16 hours in total. This marathon contest against Australian Rinky Hijikata was suspended due to darkness at 9:29 PM local time on July 3, just as Shelton was on the brink of victory, needing only one game to secure a straight-set win.

The following day, fans were treated to an extraordinary conclusion of this epic showdown. Shelton resumed the match with the momentum firmly on his side and secured victory in straight sets with a final score of 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.The Alligator reports that Shelton’s path to the third round epitomizes resilience and skill. Prior to this match, he defeated Alex Bolt in the first round, overcoming tiebreakers in both the second and third sets despite being a favorite on the court.

A Match of Twists

When the match against Hijikata resumed, it was evident that the 10th-seeded Shelton was anxious to wrap things up quickly. He fired off four unreturnable serves, making it virtually impossible for Hijikata to land any shots during the resumption, according to ABC News. Shelton expressed surprise at how swiftly he closed out the match, especially given the lengthy warm-up period prior to resumption.

Adding to the drama, the match had been paused while Shelton was serving at 5-3 in the third set. Hijikata, who managed to prolong the match by winning five consecutive points just before the delay, was unable to regain any momentum. In total, Shelton was only challenged with three break points throughout the entire match, which he successfully saved.

Friendly Banter and Anticipation

As Shelton gears up for his next battle against Hungary’s Márton Fucsovics on July 5, he finds himself in the spotlight not only for his athletic prowess but also for the light-hearted commentary from his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman. She took to social media, humorously addressing the brevity of the resumed match, showcasing the support system that often fuels athletes during high-stakes tournaments.

This victory is not just another notch on Shelton’s belt; it marks his consecutive advancement to the third round at Wimbledon. It also sets up an interesting match against Fucsovics, where fans are eager to see if Shelton can keep up his winning streak. Both players must navigate the pressures of Wimbledon, where the spotlight shines brightly, making every match not just a test of skill but of endurance and mental strength.