One official had to step between a seemingly irate Shelton and the umpire on No. 2 Court, as the crowd also voiced their obvious displeasure.
Shelton and Hijikata had discussed the match being suspended at the start of the third set and again three games later – but officials told them to play on.
The conditions on court were a concern for both players but they carried on, until Shelton had moved to the brink of victory.
It will add to his frustrations that he failed to convert three match points on the Hijikata serve in the previous game.
The pair will return on Friday to finish the match.
Issues over play stopping at night have been a theme of the opening week of this year’s Wimbledon.
Fritz believed there was time to get the match finished on No. 1 Court before the 11pm curfew.
Similar weather is forecast for Friday, although it looks to be more unsettled over the weekend.
