Ben Shelton’s Emotional US Open Exit Follows Shoulder Injury

American tennis star Ben Shelton withdrew from the US Open due to a shoulder injury. The emotional scene occurred during his third-round match against Adrian Mannarino. This marks the first retirement of Shelton’s professional career.

The 22-year-old was forced to stop while the match was tied at two sets each. His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, advised him to prioritize his health.

Emotional On-Court Withdrawal Shocks Fans

Shelton had won the first and third sets against Mannarino. The Frenchman leveled the match by winning the fourth set. A worsening shoulder issue then severely limited Shelton’s ability to compete.

He was visibly heartbroken and fought back tears on the court. The crowd watched as the promising young athlete made the difficult decision. According to reports, his powerful serve was significantly impacted by the pain.

Shelton was considered a dark horse to win the entire tournament. He recently cracked the top 10 of the world rankings. His form included a Masters 1000 win in Toronto and a strong 2025 season.

A Promising Season Cut Short

This injury halts an incredible run of form for the young American. He reached the Australian Open semifinals and the Wimbledon quarterfinals this year. Many analysts believed he could challenge for the US Open title.

His 2023 US Open semifinal run first made him a household name. Shelton has since improved his all-around mental and physical game. He is seen as a future rival to stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Another American star, Coco Gauff, also showed high emotion recently. She managed to fight through her difficult match to advance further in the tournament.

Ben Shelton’s injury is a significant blow to the US Open draw and his own momentum. His heartfelt reaction underscores the immense pressure and passion these athletes carry. The tennis world now awaits news on his recovery timeline.

Info at your fingertips

What exactly is Ben Shelton’s injury?

The specific diagnosis has not been publicly released. The issue is reported as a shoulder injury that flared up during his match, severely affecting his service motion and overall play.

Has Ben Shelton retired from a match before?

No. This US Open withdrawal was the first mid-match retirement of Ben Shelton’s professional tennis career.

How far did Ben Shelton get in the 2025 US Open?

Shelton was eliminated in the third round. He was forced to retire while his match against Adrian Mannarino was tied at two sets apiece.

What did Ben Shelton say after the match?

Shelton remained positive despite the disappointment. He called it a “small setback” and expressed gratitude for his successful summer and the people around him.

Was Ben Shelton a favorite to win the US Open?

While not the top favorite, Shelton was widely considered a dark horse and serious contender. His recent win in Toronto and top-10 ranking made him a likely candidate for a deep run.

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Trusted Sources: Hindustan Times, AFP.