Adrian Mannarino’s touching message to Ben Shelton as he leaves US Open injured
Ben Shelton’s US Open Ends in Pain: Mannarino Advances After Shocking Retirement
Ben Shelton’s US Open journey came to a painful halt on Friday as the American sixth seed was forced to retire from his third-round match against France’s Adrian Mannarino with a left shoulder injury.
The 21-year-old, who reached the semifinals at Flushing Meadows last year, showed discomfort early in the fourth set after hitting a forehand on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Shelton was seen clutching his shoulder and told his coach and father, Bryan Shelton, “I just did something to my shoulder. I don’t know what it is. I’m in a lot of pain.” Despite receiving medical attention and attempting to continue, the pain proved too severe, and he retired with the match tied at two sets apiece.
The dramatic end handed Mannarino his first-ever win against a top-10 player in a Grand Slam after 23 attempts, marking a career milestone at age 37. Speaking after the match, the French veteran expressed sympathy for his opponent:
“When he started to have pain, he was leading. Honestly, he probably would have won that match. It’s unfortunate for him and very lucky for me, but I don’t really know what to say. I wish him the best, of course,” Mannarino said.
Not the way we wanted it to end…
Shelton is forced to retire before the 5th set and Mannarino advances to the next round.
Wishing you a speedy recovery! @BenShelton @usopen | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/m31Vh7LwHd
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 29, 2025
He added that despite the abrupt finish, he had enjoyed the battle: “I was having good fun on the court—really long rallies, losing some and winning some. Even if I was losing, it was pretty cool. Ben is such an amazing player. He kicked my a* at the beginning of the summer, so I know how good he is.”*
For American tennis fans, Shelton’s withdrawal was a heavy blow to hopes of ending the nation’s 22-year wait for a men’s singles Grand Slam champion. For Mannarino, however, the match brought relief, joy, and a rare opportunity to advance further into the tournament.