Ben Shelton, world number 6, retired from his third-round match at the US Open 2025 in New York on Friday, August 29, due to a left shoulder injury. The American tennis player was facing Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in a closely contested match at Louis Armstrong Stadium when he experienced severe pain after an intense play in the third set. With the score tied at two sets apiece (6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6), Shelton was forced to withdraw before the fifth set, ending his tournament run. The injury, possibly caused by a fall while reaching for a ball in the corner of the court, halted the campaign of one of America’s brightest tennis stars. Mannarino advanced to the round of 16, securing his first win against a top-10 player in a Grand Slam. Shelton’s exit opens the path for other competitors, like Carlos Alcaraz, in the same tournament bracket.
The match, lasting over three hours, featured intense rallies and tactical shifts. Shelton, known for his powerful serve and aggressive style, tried to adapt to the pain by shortening points. Despite his efforts, the injury prevented him from continuing. The moment was particularly painful for the 22-year-old, who enjoyed a stellar 2025, including a Masters 1000 title in Toronto and a semifinal at the Australian Open.
- Key match moments:
- Shelton won the first set 6-3 with powerful serves, including a 140-mph ace.
- Mannarino fought back in the second set, using experience to vary angles and spins.
- The third set saw an epic point, with Shelton falling while chasing a ball, possibly causing the injury.
- In the fourth set, Shelton received medical attention but lost 6-4.
The crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium, passionately supporting the American, fell silent as Shelton left the court with a towel over his head, visibly emotional. His injury is a blow to American hopes at the tournament, which hasn’t seen a local men’s champion since Andy Roddick in 2003.
Details of the injury and immediate impact
Shelton’s left shoulder injury likely occurred at the end of the third set when he fell while reaching for a ball in the court’s corner. The left-handed player felt intense pain during forehand shots and serves. In the fourth set, he informed his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, that he was experiencing “the worst pain of my life” when attempting spin shots. After medical attention early in the fourth set, Shelton shifted his strategy, approaching the net more frequently to shorten points. Despite hitting 13 serve-and-volley points in the fourth set, compared to just three in the prior sets, the pain persisted.
Shelton received further treatment during a changeover before the fifth set. After a brief discussion with the physiotherapist and his father signaling to retire, Shelton, visibly shaken, withdrew. He left the court with ice on his shoulder as the crowd applauded his effort.
- Facts about the injury:
- Shelton reported sharp pain during forehand shots, suggesting a possible muscular or tendon issue.
- No official diagnosis was immediately available, but a strain or microtear is speculated.
- This was Shelton’s first career retirement in 178 professional matches.
- Recovery could take weeks, depending on severity, impacting his late-2025 schedule.
Shelton’s withdrawal is a significant loss for the US Open, where he was a top American hope. His absence also eases the path for Carlos Alcaraz, who could have faced him in the quarterfinals.
Shelton’s 2025 performance
Ben Shelton enjoyed an outstanding year before the US Open. The American, who reached the ATP top-6, won his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto weeks before the New York event. He also made the Australian Open semifinals and Wimbledon quarterfinals, showing progress across surfaces. In the 2023 US Open, Shelton reached the semifinals, falling to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.
His 2025 season reflects remarkable growth. With a 37-18 win-loss record in ATP-level tournaments, per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, Shelton solidified his status as a next-generation star. His powerful serves, often exceeding 135 mph, and charismatic court presence made him a fan favorite.
- Season highlights:
- Won the Masters 1000 in Toronto, defeating players like Alexander Zverev.
- Reached the Australian Open semifinals, losing to champion Jannik Sinner.
- Advanced to Wimbledon quarterfinals, again falling to Sinner.
- Secured convincing wins in the US Open’s first two rounds against Ignacio Buse and Pablo Carreño.
The injury, however, raises concerns about his physical condition for the rest of the season, particularly for events like the ATP Finals if he qualifies.
Mannarino’s tactics and performance
Adrian Mannarino, 37, seized the opportunity to reach the US Open round of 16 for the first time in his 15th tournament appearance. The Frenchman, ranked 77th, used his experience to challenge Shelton with a unique style based on anticipation, varied angles, and light shots. His “tactical torture” approach disrupted Shelton’s aggressive game, forcing him to play with less pace and more spin, increasing physical strain.
Mannarino showed resilience throughout the match. After dropping the first set, he adjusted, winning the second and fourth sets. His victory marked his first against a top-10 player in 23 Grand Slam attempts, a significant milestone.
- Factors in Mannarino’s success:
- Varied angles, making it hard for Shelton to respond.
- Exceptional anticipation, hitting the ball early before it crossed the net.
- “Weightless” shots, requiring extra effort from Shelton.
- Endurance in long rallies, wearing down his opponent.
Mannarino, who struggled with just two ATP-level wins until June, showed a notable turnaround. He now faces Czech Jiri Lehecka, the 20th seed, in the round of 16, with a real chance to reach the quarterfinals.
Crowd reaction and support
Shelton’s exit was an emotional moment at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The crowd, electrified by his every point, grew quiet as his injury became apparent. Shelton, fighting tears, waved to fans as he left. The tennis community, including the US Open, rallied behind the young star, praising his resilience and potential.
- Support messages:
- The US Open’s official X account wished Shelton a speedy recovery, highlighting his fighting spirit.
- Mannarino, in a post-match interview, acknowledged Shelton likely would have won without the injury.
- Fans on social media expressed disappointment but praised Shelton’s effort and charisma.
Shelton’s injury not only halted his campaign but also dampened hopes for a new generation of American players aiming to emulate Roddick. Fans remain optimistic about his comeback.
Shelton’s future and expectations
Shelton’s injury raises questions about his recovery and return. As the US Open is the final Grand Slam of the year, he has time to heal before 2026. The injury’s severity is unclear, but experts suggest a muscle strain could require three to six weeks of rest and therapy. For a young player like Shelton, the focus will be on preventing long-term damage.
Having never retired from a match before, Shelton faced a tough moment, but his 2025 success suggests he can rebound strongly. The US Open experience, though frustrating, may serve as a lesson in handling physical and mental challenges.
- Next steps for Shelton:
- Detailed medical evaluation to confirm the injury’s extent.
- Rehabilitation plan focusing on shoulder strengthening.
- Potential return in smaller tournaments in late 2025, preparing for 2026.
- Psychological support to cope with the frustration of withdrawing.
American tennis now turns to players like Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, while Shelton prepares for future challenges. His 2025 exit, though painful, does not dim his status as a rising star.
