Talk about a heartbreaking exit! 💔 Rising American tennis star Ben Shelton gave it his all at the US Open, battling through visible pain before an injury forced him to retire. The crowd’s reaction was immense. Will this setback sideline one of the sport’s most electrifying talents for long? Find out what happened in his dramatic third-round clash!
The 2025 US Open saw a heartbreaking conclusion for rising American tennis star Ben Shelton, whose impressive campaign was cut short by an injury, forcing his retirement during a crucial third-round match against Adrian Mannarino. This unfortunate turn of events left fans and the tennis world alike deeply concerned for the 22-year-old talent.
Shelton, seeded No. 6, commenced his US Open journey with a display of formidable skill and determination, immediately captivating the New York crowd. In the early stages of his clash with Mannarino, he powered through the opening set with a commanding 6-3 victory, showcasing the potent serve and fearless shot-making that have become his signature on the ATP Tour, earning him acclaim as a dynamic American tennis star.
The match intensified as Shelton, ever resilient, dug deep into the third set. A pivotal moment arrived at set point when, chasing down a challenging ball, he took a nasty fall on the court. Despite the visible pain and the dramatic nature of the incident, Shelton remarkably managed to win the rally, sealing the set and gaining a two-sets-to-one lead. The Ashe Stadium crowd erupted in a roar of appreciation for his grit, as he pumped his fist, embodying his trademark competitive fire even through evident physical distress, highlighting the intense tennis news of the day.
However, the physical toll of the fall and the strenuous play soon became unmistakably clear. With his shoulder visibly bothering him, Ben Shelton’s formidable serve lost its characteristic pop, and his powerful forehand lacked its usual firepower. His opponent, Adrian Mannarino, shrewdly capitalized on Shelton’s diminished capacity, dictating rallies with increasing ease and momentum, ultimately taking the fourth set to force a deciding fifth, making the tennis injury a dominant storyline.
The grim reality of his condition led to a difficult decision at the changeover before the fifth set: Ben Shelton was unable to continue. His retirement handed the victory to Adrian Mannarino, but the Ashe Stadium crowd offered a moving ovation, acknowledging a player who had poured every ounce of his effort into the contest despite battling a significant tennis injury.
American tennis fans, who have enthusiastically embraced Shelton’s vibrant energy and fearless playing style, are now anxiously hoping that this shoulder setback is not a long-term issue. His electrifying game has quickly established him as one of the most exciting young talents on the professional tour, a true American tennis star poised for greatness.
The tennis world will be eagerly awaiting updates on his recovery and his eventual return to competition, hoping to see the young star back on court, fully fit and ready to continue his ascent. This US Open exit, while painful, underscores the immense dedication and fighting spirit that defines Ben Shelton’s promising career, marking a significant piece of current tennis news.