After winning the first two sets with 6–2 and 7–5 against the 87th ranked Rinky Hijikata on Thursday evening, world tennis player Shelton had the lead with 5–4 in the game and was to serve for the win.
Then the judge chose to interrupt the match because it had become too dark outside – to Shelton's and the audience's great frustration.
Instead, the American was forced to return to the grass on Friday in what will be the entire tournament's – probably – shortest match in a day.
Shelton bombed in three aces and a serve that Hijikata failed to return – then the match was over.
– It was very different to come here and play, what was it, like 50 seconds today. I probably have to go to the training court now, said Shelton in the victory interview.
He continued jokingly on the question of whether he was disappointed that it was not four aces:
There are things to improve after today's performance. But I could not be happier after what I came here and did. I am sorry that you did not get to see more tennis.
