Oh no! 💔 American tennis sensation Ben Shelton’s incredible US Open journey has come to a sudden and heartbreaking end. A shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from his match against Adrian Mannarino. What could this mean for his season, and what’s next for the rising star?

The electrifying run of American tennis sensation Ben Shelton at the US Open has unfortunately concluded prematurely, as the young star was forced to withdraw from his third-round match due to a debilitating left shoulder injury. This unexpected exit against Adrian Mannarino leaves a void in the tournament draw and raises concerns about Shelton’s immediate future on the professional circuit.

The pivotal moment occurred during a thrilling third set where Shelton showcased his acrobatic prowess, securing the set after a tumble to the court. However, what initially appeared as a moment of triumph quickly turned to discomfort. Minutes after his spectacular play, Shelton began experiencing significant pain in his left arm, a sensation that ultimately proved too severe to continue the match.

Shelton, seeded sixth and a two-time major semifinalist, was engaged in a tough battle against France’s Adrian Mannarino. After dropping the fourth set, which would have forced a decider, the severity of his `shoulder injury` became undeniable. This marked the first time in his 178 professional matches that Shelton was compelled to retire, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

Despite immediate on-court treatment, where trainers applied cream to his `left shoulder`, Shelton’s attempts to play through the pain were evident. He strategically tried to shorten points by aggressively attacking the net, a departure from his usual baseline dominance. However, even this altered gameplay couldn’t mask the underlying `tennis injury`, and the pain persisted.

Mannarino, a seasoned 37-year-old, capitalized on the unfortunate circumstances, securing his first-ever victory against a top-10 player in a `Grand Slam` tournament after 23 previous attempts. While the win came under difficult conditions, it marks a significant milestone in the Frenchman’s career, advancing him deeper into the US Open draw.

Shelton’s withdrawal is a considerable blow to `American tennis hopes` at the `US Open`. He was widely considered one of the strongest contenders to end the nation’s long drought for a men’s major champion, a feat last achieved by Andy Roddick in 2003. Adding to the disappointment, Frances Tiafoe, another prominent American, also suffered an early exit shortly after Shelton’s retirement.

With Shelton and Tiafoe out, only Taylor Fritz, last year’s runner-up, remains as a top American tennis prospect in the men’s singles draw. Shelton’s powerful left-handed serve, often reaching speeds of 140 mph, was a highlight of his game, making his injury even more impactful to his performance capabilities.

The decision to retire was an emotional one for Shelton, who was seen leaving the court with a towel over his head, tears in his eyes. His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, ultimately motioned for his son to call off the match, prioritizing the young star’s long-term health over immediate competition. The tennis world now awaits further updates on Shelton’s recovery from this disheartening `shoulder injury`.