In a nerve wracking match, just as the first round of Wimbledon is off to the races, American tennis star Taylor Fritz was pulling a marvelous comeback from 2 sets down against rising French talent Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Unfortunately for Fritz, and perhaps fortunate for Perricard, the match had to be suspended due to curfew, resulting in boos from the attendants.
Fritz vs Perricard, an intriguing match
The Frenchman started aggresive, putting to work his trademark skills, a powerful serve and grass-court prowess. The 21-year old broke Fritz‘s rythm early, winning the first 2 sets and taking a commanding 2-0 lead. The execution of Perricard‘s serve and decisive point execution was being hugely recognized by the crowd.
Looking at elimination right in the eyes, the world’s No. 5 summon up energy and courage when he needed it the most. Given both players’ serv strength, a multiple tiebreaker game was predicted by various experts. The American became comfortable, he elevated his return game, and started reducing the Frenchman’s lead.
Grit and precision was demonstrated by Fritz to come on top in the third set. Momentum was shifted into the fourth episode, and it felt that control of the match was now in new hands. The whole crowd could feel the tide turning as the contest was tied 2 sets for each.
Curfew intervenes Fritz and Perricard
Just when the 27-year old was put the final touches to a superb comeback, darkness fell. Wimbledon enforces a curfew at 11 pm local time, the reason being to respect the people living near the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club where the competition is held. Simply, avoiding huge noise at late hours.
The match was halted with the fifth set due to be played and still 40 minutes away from curfew. Fritz was visibly upset, wanting to take advantage of his playing boost, insisting to go as long as they could, but his rival declined. Who blames him? Perricard surely was thinking of a winner-takes-all set tomorrow, after a night of good rest and a reset to the emotiongs inside of him.
Images of the line judge talking and explaining the situation to both players at the middle of the court visibly showed that contrast in each competitor’s desires. The crowd got into it by adding drama with loud boos across the conversations. Ultimately, fans will have to wait to watch the ending of this thrilling fixture.
When does the match resume?
Play will resume early Monday morning, giving both players time to recover physically, but the psychological advantage seems clear: Fritz will ride the momentum he gained from his energetic resurgence, while Perricard must regroup mentally.
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