In a rare and dramatic turn of events at Wimbledon 2025, young American star Ben Shelton finished his suspended second-round match in just one minute upon resumption, delighting fans with his calm confidence and swift execution on Court 14.
The Unusual Situation
The match against Czech opponent Tomas Machac had been halted the previous evening due to poor light, with Shelton holding match point at 6-4, 6-4, 5-4, 40-30. As rain and late scheduling pushed play into the next day, Shelton stepped onto court with a singular goal – to fire down one final winning serve and move into the third round.
And that’s exactly what he did.
The Final Point
The American unleashed a powerful 132 mph serve down the T, leaving Machac stranded. The Czech barely moved as the ball whizzed past him, ending the match in just one swing. The official duration of the resumed play was under one minute, marking one of the shortest match completions in Wimbledon history.
Shelton’s Reaction
Speaking to reporters post-match, Shelton said:
“It was a weird feeling warming up just for one point. I told myself to stay loose, trust my serve, and finish the job. I’m glad I could get it done for the crowd so quickly.”
He added that he spent the morning mentally preparing, listening to music and visualising the serve repeatedly to ensure he didn’t overthink the situation.
Fans Left Stunned
Spectators who arrived at Court 14 expecting a brief spectacle were still left stunned by just how brief it was. Many fans were seen laughing in disbelief, with social media flooded with comments:
- @tennisfanatic: “Imagine spending more time walking to your seat than watching the match. Ben Shelton is ice-cold.”
- @wimbledonwatch: “One serve, one minute, one victory. Unreal from Shelton.”
Wimbledon Officials Confirm Record
According to tournament statisticians, this was the fastest match conclusion upon resumption since records began, narrowly beating Andy Murray’s 2012 resumption win which took approximately two minutes.
What This Means For Shelton’s Tournament
With this win, Shelton advances to the third round, where he will face Spanish seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The two have met once before on hard courts, with Shelton winning in straight sets at the Miami Masters earlier this year.
| Upcoming Match Preview |
|---|
| Player: Ben Shelton vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina |
| Head-to-Head: Shelton leads 1-0 |
| Court Surface: Grass |
| Key Stats: Shelton has fired 48 aces in two matches so far |
Coach Bryan Shelton Speaks
Ben’s father and coach, former ATP player Bryan Shelton, praised his son’s focus:
“It’s easy to lose rhythm after a night’s break, but he stayed relaxed and served with confidence. These are the little challenges that build a champion.”
Context: Young Guns Rising At Wimbledon
Ben Shelton, just 21 years old, has rapidly become one of the most watched young players on tour:
- Reached the US Open semifinals last year with fearless serving
- Broke into the Top 20 ATP rankings in March 2025
- Known for his left-handed power serve, often clocking over 135 mph
- Balancing studies in finance at the University of Florida alongside his pro career until last season
His quick win adds to the trend of next-generation stars including Holger Rune, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner creating shockwaves at the Grand Slams.
Player Reaction Across Tour
Several fellow players responded to Shelton’s unique win:
- Taylor Fritz: “That’s how you do it. Walk in, clock out.”
- Nick Kyrgios: “Honestly, no one wants to warm up for 30 minutes for a one-point match. Respect to Ben for getting it done in one swing.”
Wimbledon Scheduling Impact
The quick finish also benefited the tournament organisers, who were battling rain delays throughout Day 5. The minute-long conclusion allowed ground staff to prepare Court 14 swiftly for the next match, easing a congested schedule that had threatened late finishes under the lights.
Statistical Snapshot: Shelton’s Wimbledon So Far
| Match | Opponent | Aces | Double Faults | First Serve % | Win % on First Serve | Break Points Saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Jordan Thompson | 22 | 3 | 65% | 81% | 4/5 |
| R2 | Tomas Machac | 26 | 2 | 68% | 84% | 3/3 |
Historical Perspective
Such one-point completions are rare in Grand Slam history but not unprecedented. Other notable instances include:
- Andy Murray (2012 Wimbledon): Resumed against Marin Cilic, won after two minutes.
- Serena Williams (2015 US Open): Won a suspended match in under three minutes with two points.
- Roger Federer (2007 Basel): Closed out a match in 90 seconds after overnight delay.
Shelton’s feat, however, is believed to be the first match finished with literally a single shot upon resumption in Wimbledon’s recorded history.
Looking Ahead
The rising American will now focus on adapting his powerful hard-court game to grass against Davidovich Fokina, known for his fast footwork and varied shot-making. If Shelton maintains his form, he could set up a potential fourth-round blockbuster against Jannik Sinner, igniting fan excitement further.
Final Word
Shelton summed up his unique victory with humour:
“I guess I have the record for the shortest match of my career. Hopefully, the next one lasts longer and ends the same way – with a win.”
Disclaimer: This news content is for informational and analytical purposes only. While all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify final match statistics, tournament records, and upcoming schedules from official Wimbledon announcements or ATP communications before acting upon related decisions.
