Boos echo at Wimbledon Open as Taylor Fritz clash abruptly halted mid-match

The crowd on Court No.1 erupted in frustration Monday night as Taylor Fritz’s dramatic first-round Wimbledon match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was unexpectedly halted—well before the 11:00 PM curfew. The abrupt suspension came just as the American No. 4 seed completed a remarkable comeback, setting the stage for a thrilling fifth-set decider that never materialized—at least not yet.

A comeback cut short

Taylor Fritz had been staring down the barrel of an early Grand Slam exit after losing the first two sets 6-7, 6-7. His French opponent, Mpetshi Perricard, looked poised to pull off one of the day’s biggest upsets. But the tide turned dramatically in the third set as Fritz roared back to take it 6-4. The fourth set delivered high-stakes drama as Fritz clawed back from a 1-5 deficit in the tiebreak to eventually win it 8-6.

Momentum was clearly on the American’s side, and fans braced for a nail-biting decider. However, as Fritz returned to his bench at the end of the set, the tournament supervisor approached for an impromptu conversation with both players. Within minutes, the match was officially suspended.

Fans outraged as match stopped 40 minutes early

The boos came swiftly and loudly. Despite the Wimbledon curfew of 11:00 PM—set in agreement with Merton Council—play was stopped around 10:20 PM, nearly 40 minutes before the deadline. Spectators, having witnessed an electrifying turnaround, jeered in disbelief as the umpire made the announcement:

“Ladies and gentlemen, due to the late timing of the day, we will not be able to finish the match therefore the match will be postponed to tomorrow. Play is suspended.”

With that, both Fritz and Mpetshi Perricard exited the court, leaving thousands of fans visibly disappointed.

Expert reactions: “A Surprising Call”

BBC commentator Todd Woodbridge questioned the decision, noting: “While we’re having this conversation, we could’ve had two service games, the way they serve.” His co-commentator, Ronald McIntosh, added, “Three of the four sets have gone to tiebreaks, but they’ve all lasted under 48 minutes. There was definitely time.”

Woodbridge further critiqued the decision, saying: “I’m a little surprised. I think the referee came out too early. The momentum was with Fritz. He’ll be annoyed by this decision, no doubt.”

A Tactical Pause?

While fans voiced their discontent, the suspension may have been a strategic blessing for Mpetshi Perricard.

As McIntosh observed, “Mpetshi Perricard would love the opportunity to regroup, refuel, rehydrate, and rest. Tomorrow, it's essentially a one-set shootout.”

The match will resume Tuesday with the score level at two sets apiece. With momentum, fan support, and form leaning toward Fritz, all eyes will be on whether the American can capitalize—or if the overnight pause proves fatal to his rhythm.