NEW YORK — Ben Shelton executed an incredible comeback to snatch the third set of his U.S. Open third-round match, rising from a fall on the court and pumping his left arm in triumph, urging the crowd to cheer as he clinched the win.
However, just moments later, he began experiencing a discomfort that would mark the first time in his professional life he would have to halt a match.
The sixth-seeded Shelton conceded after dropping the fourth set to Adrian Mannarino due to a painful left shoulder injury, while No. 17 Frances Tiafoe fell shortly after, leaving only two U.S. men left standing from the 23 who entered the tournament.
In a hushed tone and lacking specifics, Shelton struggled to identify the injury’s cause or nature, stating he had never withdrawn from a match in his 178 professional outings.
“Typically, I push through anything,” he remarked. “Whether it’s an illness or an injury, if I can stay on the court, I’ll stay on. But I’ve never felt something like this.”
After lunging to scoop up a ball in the corner, Shelton fell, landing heavily on his left arm to secure the third set. In the early stages of the fourth set, he grimaced and informed his coach: “I think I’ve hurt my shoulder. I’m not sure how badly.”
He received treatment mid-set, with the trainer applying a cream to his shoulder. Attempting to alter his strategy, he began rushing to the net to shorten rallies. Yet, following Mannarino’s victory in that set, Shelton called it quits, exiting the court with a towel shielding his face and tears welling in his eyes.
The 37-year-old Mannarino celebrated his first-ever win against a top-10 player in Grand Slam history after 23 attempts.
“When he started feeling pain, he was ahead in the match. Honestly, he likely would have secured the win,” Mannarino noted.
Entering the match with a stellar 14-2 record on hard courts this summer, Shelton looked poised after dominating Mannarino earlier in the tournament in Toronto.
“I was performing remarkably well, filled with confidence,” Shelton reflected. “I had many reasons to be pleased with my game, my movement, and my competitive spirit.”
He was seen as a key contender to deliver the U.S. its first men’s major champion since Andy Roddick triumphed at the 2003 U.S. Open. Tiafoe, who had reached the semifinals at Flushing Meadows in two of the last three years, also faced an early exit, losing to German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7).
Tiafoe sought to become the first American man since Andre Agassi (1994-1999) to reach six consecutive fourth rounds at the U.S. Open.
“It’s going to be tough to come to terms with my performance today and being out of the U.S. Open this early,” Tiafoe admitted.
Currently, only No. 4 Taylor Fritz, last year’s runner-up who triumphed over Swiss qualifier Jerome Kym in four sets, and No. 14 Tommy Paul remain in the men’s draw from the U.S.
Shelton’s left-handed serve is renowned for its power, illustrated by a 140-mph ace in the first set, matching the third-fastest recorded at this U.S. Open.
Even after sustaining the injury, he managed to unleash some formidable serves but consistently adjusted his grip on his shoulder during and after points.
His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, urged him to move closer to the net, hoping to expedite the points. In the fourth set, Shelton had 13 serve-and-volley attempts, a stark contrast to just three in the previous sets, but faltered on a miss at the net when Mannarino broke at 4-3.
Shelton fought off four set points in his next game before Mannarino held serve to clinch the set. As Mannarino took a bathroom break, Shelton, seated on his bench, received gestures from his father suggesting he should withdraw, which he ultimately did upon Mannarino’s return.
“I’m 37 years old,” Mannarino quipped. “It’s the first time I’ve won a match from the toilet.”
