Ben Shelton’s US Open Run Ends in Heartbreak

An unfortunate twist of fate brought Ben Shelton‘s US Open journey to a heartbreaking end as he was forced to retire from his third-round match against Adrian Mannarino. The highly anticipated contest, which had showcased a thrilling battle between the explosive American and the wily Frenchman, concluded with a disappointing whimper due to a shoulder injury sustained by Shelton.

The match, played on Louis Armstrong Stadium, had lived up to its billing, with both players demonstrating a high level of tennis. Shelton, the 2023 US Open semi-finalist and one of the brightest young stars in the sport, started strongly, his powerful left-handed serve and aggressive forehand dictating the pace.

He took the first set 6-3, seemingly in control. However, Mannarino, a seasoned veteran known for his unconventional style, began to find his rhythm. The Frenchman, ranked 77th, masterfully absorbed Shelton’s pace and lured him into extended baseline rallies, a contest of patience and precision against the American’s raw power. Mannarino’s tactics paid off, and he leveled the match by winning the second set 6-3.

The third set was a testament to the high drama of Grand Slam tennis. With the score at 6-4 for Shelton, the American lunged for a ball in the corner, taking a tumble to the court. While he won the point and the set, raising his fist to the cheering crowd, the fall proved to be a fateful moment. Early in the fourth set, Shelton began to wince, clutching his left shoulder and signaling to his coach’s box. Despite visible discomfort, he tried to continue, but his game was visibly hampered. His signature serve, a weapon of over 140 mph, lost its venom, and he was hesitant to fully commit to his shots.

With the score at 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, and the match tied at two sets apiece, Shelton made the difficult decision to retire, marking the first time in his professional career he has been unable to finish a match. A tearful Shelton was consoled at the net by Mannarino, who himself expressed a sense of fortune in his post-match interview. “When he started to have pain, he was leading in the match,” Mannarino said. “Honestly, he probably would’ve won that match. That’s unfortunate for him, and lucky for me.”