Wimbledon witnessed drama late Monday night when officials suspended the first-round match between fourth seed Taylor Fritz and France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard after four intense sets. Organisers stopped play on Court 1 as they believed the match would not finish before the strict 11 p.m. curfew.
Fritz Fights Back, But Match Stopped
Fritz looked frustrated and visibly upset when officials entered the court close to the deadline. He had just completed a stunning comeback in the fourth set. Earlier, he lost the first two sets to the big-serving Perricard. However, Fritz rallied back strongly. In the fourth set tie-break, he trailed 1-5 but won seven of the next eight points to level the match at two sets each. Just as the deciding fifth set was about to begin, officials halted the match.
The chair umpire informed the crowd, “Ladies and gentlemen, due to the late time of the day, we will not be able to finish the match. Therefore, the match will be suspended until tomorrow. Play is suspended.”
The crowd on Court 1 expressed their disappointment. Loud boos echoed around the stadium after the announcement.
Organisers Defend Curfew Rule
Wimbledon has an agreement with Merton Council to stop all play by 11 p.m. each night. However, fans and Fritz felt the suspension came too early. When the match was stopped, there were still about 40 minutes left before the curfew.
Meanwhile, over at Centre Court, officials also stopped the final match of the night. Third seed Alexander Zverev was tied at one set each against Arthur Rinderknech when play was paused at 10:54 p.m.
Perricard Had Early Lead
Perricard dominated the early part of the match. He hit 33 aces and won both opening sets in tight tie-breaks: 7-6 (6), 7-6 (8). However, he failed to earn a single break point throughout the match. Fritz regained control by winning the third set 6-4 and then taking the fourth set 7-6 (6), forcing a decider.
Fritz, who recently won titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne, is seen as a strong contender for the Wimbledon semifinals. He came into the match in excellent form.
Experts Weigh In on the Suspension
Commentator Todd Woodbridge said, “Well, if I was Taylor Fritz, I’d want to keep going here, try to keep the momentum. It’s just gone 10.15pm, the curfew is at 11. If it’s a long set there’s a chance they might have to come off at 5-5 potentially. Would you want to do that? That’s what they’re weighing up.”
Co-commentator Ronald McIntosh noted that the break might favour Perricard. He said, “But a big decision about to be made here because as we pointed out in commentary, the momentum very much in favour of Taylor Fritz. I’m sure Mpetshi Perricard would love the opportunity to regroup, refuel, rehydrate, rest and to come back tomorrow for what is effectively a one-set shootout.”