The U.S. Open takes an unexpected turn! Rising star Ben Shelton was forced to retire from his third-round match due to injury. What does this mean for his promising career, and how will it impact the tournament? Find out the full story of his heartbreaking exit!

American tennis sensation Ben Shelton faced a premature and disheartening exit from the U.S. Open, retiring from his third-round match due to a left shoulder injury. This unfortunate turn of events abruptly halted what had been a promising run for the rising star, leaving fans and commentators to ponder the impact of such an injury on a player in the prime of his burgeoning career.

The incident unfolded during a hard-fought contest against unseeded Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. Shelton, the tournament’s No. 6 seed and a left-handed player, had battled through four sets, trading blows with Mannarino in a display of competitive tennis. The scores stood at 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, indicating a tightly contested affair before Shelton was ultimately forced to concede.

Shelton’s departure from the court, with a towel draped over his head, underscored the profound disappointment of ending a Grand Slam campaign under such circumstances. A shoulder injury, particularly for a player whose game relies heavily on powerful serves and forehands, can be a significant setback, requiring careful management and recovery.

This U.S. Open exit marks a stark contrast to Shelton’s recent impressive Grand Slam performances. He had previously reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open in 2023, showcasing his potential on home soil. Furthermore, his 2025 season included a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open, a fourth-round finish at the French Open, and a quarterfinal bid at Wimbledon, all representing career-best achievements.

Following Shelton’s retirement, Adrian Mannarino, at 37 years old, advanced to the fourth round of the tournament. His next challenge will be against the No. 20 seed, Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic, as he continues his pursuit of a deep run at Flushing Meadows.

In other significant U.S. Open developments, third-seeded Coco Gauff delivered a dominant performance in her third-round match. The 21-year-old American secured a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over No. 28 Magdalena Frech of Poland, showcasing remarkable control over her serve, an area she had recently been refining.

Gauff’s efficient play saw her win a significant majority of her first-serve points, allowing her to reach the second weekend of the U.S. Open for the fourth consecutive year, having won the event in 2023. Her next opponent in the Round of 16 will be the formidable No. 23 seed Naomi Osaka of Japan, setting up a highly anticipated clash between two former champions.