Friday at the US Open turned into an emotional rollercoaster for American tennis fans, as rising star Ben Shelton’s bid for a first Grand Slam victory was cut short by an unexpected shoulder injury.
The 22-year-old looked poised to make history before pain forced him out of his third-round match.
Heartbreak on Louis Armstrong Stadium
Shelton had been leading Adrian Mannarino by two sets to one and was just five games away from the last 16 when the match took a dramatic turn.
“The worst pain I ever felt in my life,” Shelton admitted to his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, as tears began to gather in his eyes.
Less than an hour earlier, the crowd had been roaring with excitement, watching the American star dominate the court.
Pain Strikes at the Worst Moment
Shelton isn’t sure exactly when or why the pain started, but by the beginning of the fourth set, his left shoulder became a significant hindrance.
Though he soldiered on, replacing his powerful forehand with a slice to reduce discomfort and even saving five set points, the injury ultimately proved too much to overcome.
“I never retired before. I’m not a guy who would retire if I could continue,” he said afterward, showing the heart and determination that has made him one of the sport’s most electrifying young players.
Mannarino Advances Amid Sympathy
Adrian Mannarino, the French veteran, eventually leveled the match, prompting Shelton to make the heartbreaking decision to retire.
“Of course, when he started to have pain, he was leading in the match and he would have probably won,” Mannarino said.
“That’s unfortunate for him, and very lucky for me… I wish him the best.”
The match had been poised for a thrilling finish. Shelton had led 6-3, 3-6, 5-4 when he brought up a second set point, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
But during a rally, a forehand misstep signaled the beginning of the end.
Medical Timeout and Retirement
After a forehand that caused immediate pain, Shelton requested medical attention at 30-15 in the second game of the fourth set.
Two trainers rushed to the court, but despite his powerful serves still reaching near 140mph, his forehand continued to falter.
Eventually, Bryan Shelton instructed his son to stop. The official scoreline ended at 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, marking a disappointing end to a match full of promise.
American Hopes Dim as Another Star Falls
Shelton’s retirement added to a tough day for American tennis.
Less than an hour later, Frances Tiafoe was also defeated in straight sets by German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff.
The world No. 144 had already eliminated top seed Holger Rune, and now Tiafoe joined the list of early US Open exits.
With Shelton and Tiafoe out, only Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul remain in contention for an American men’s singles champion, a title that has eluded the country for 22 years.
Emotional Farewell to the Crowd
The enduring image from Friday’s action was Shelton, a towel draped over his head, waving a tearful goodbye to the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd.
The loss was a personal blow to the young star and a wider disappointment for fans who had hoped for a deep run and a potential quarterfinal showdown with Carlos Alcaraz.
The Road Ahead
Though this third-round exit is heartbreaking, Shelton’s performance highlighted his talent and resilience.
As he heads to the treatment table, American fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery and a return to the court, ready to chase that elusive Grand Slam dream once more.
