Talk about an unfortunate twist! 🎾 Ben Shelton’s U.S. Open journey ended abruptly due to injury, but it’s his girlfriend Trinity Rodman’s earlier comment that has everyone buzzing. Did her observation about his serve speed hint at the trouble to come? Get the full story on this intriguing tennis drama!

In a dramatic and heart-wrenching turn of events at the U.S. Open, rising American tennis star Ben Shelton was forced to retire from his third-round match against Adrian Mannarino due to a debilitating shoulder injury. This unexpected withdrawal not only ended his promising run at Flushing Meadows but also marked the first medical retirement in his extensive 178-match ATP career, shattering hopes of an American male champion at the tournament since Andy Roddick in 2003.

The young southpaw, visibly distraught and teary-eyed, later confessed to reporters that he had never experienced such a profound level of pain. Shelton, known for his explosive power and formidable left-handed serve, had entered the match with an impressive 14-2 record during the summer’s hard-court swing, making him a strong contender for at least the quarterfinals, if not a deeper run towards the title. His recent form had many pundits tipping him for a maiden major triumph.

Adding a layer of intrigue to the unfortunate incident was a comment made by Shelton’s girlfriend, USWNT soccer star Trinity Rodman. Following his second-round victory over Pablo Carreno Busta, Rodman notably questioned why Shelton wasn’t consistently hitting the 140mph mark with his serves. This observation, made just days before his injury, has led to speculation about whether it inadvertently foreshadowed the physical challenges he was about to face.

Indeed, even prior to Rodman’s public query, several tennis analysts had expressed similar sentiments, wondering why an athlete with one of the tour’s most potent serves wasn’t unleashing its full potential more frequently. During the ill-fated Friday match, Shelton did manage to hit an ace at 140 mph in the first set, a moment that briefly showcased his raw power. However, he was repeatedly seen clutching his shoulder thereafter, indicating an underlying issue.

The exact timing and cause of Shelton’s injury remain unclear, though some observers suggest it might have been exacerbated after he won an epic set point to clinch the third set. As the fourth set commenced, the American routinely complained of shoulder pain, eventually taking a medical timeout before ultimately making the difficult decision to retire, signaling the severity of his discomfort.

Despite the crushing U.S. Open withdrawal, Ben Shelton’s season is far from over. He remains on track to qualify for the prestigious year-ending ATP Finals, an event he narrowly missed last year. This opportunity presents a significant chance for the talented American tennis star to rebound from this “minor setback” and conclude his 2024 campaign on a high note, demonstrating his resilience and determination on the global stage.

Looking back at his impressive trajectory, Shelton, at just 22 years old, has achieved career bests across all majors this year, including a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open, a fourth-round match at the French, and a quarterfinal bid at Wimbledon. His 2023 U.S. Open semifinal run further underscored his potential, making this year’s early exit particularly painful, yet offering a foundation for future success.

Before his retirement against Mannarino, the sixth-seeded Shelton had fired 11 aces and won 61 of 80 first-service points, showcasing his competitive spirit even while battling pain. His opponent, the unseeded Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, advanced to face Jiri Lehecka, continuing his tournament journey. Meanwhile, the tennis world awaits Ben Shelton’s recovery, eager to see this electrifying American talent back on court, fully fit and aiming for grand slam glory.