U.S. Open Day 6 delivered a mix of heartbreak and heroics for American tennis! While fan favorites like Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe made an early exit, Taylor Townsend pulled off a stunning upset. What a day of unexpected twists on the courts! Who do you think will go all the way?

U.S. Open Day 6 delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for American tennis fans, marked by unexpected exits and a few shining triumphs that kept the home crowd’s hopes alive amidst the drama.

The early afternoon saw a significant blow to American tennis aspirations as rising star Ben Shelton, a formidable force throughout the hard-court season, was forced to retire due to an injury in Louis Armstrong Stadium. His struggle with a noticeable pain, impacting his forehand, ultimately led to his withdrawal, a concerning development for the 22-year-old power player who had been in career-best form at the U.S. Open.

Simultaneously, crowd favorite Frances Tiafoe, a two-time U.S. Open semifinalist, suffered a surprising defeat to German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff on Grandstand. Tiafoe cited slick conditions as a factor, expressing deep disappointment over his early exit and his inability to capitalize on aggressive opportunities, leaving him with a bitter taste from his U.S. Open performance.

Despite the early setbacks for American tennis, the day wasn’t without success. Taylor Townsend continued her impressive U.S. Open journey, delivering a stunning upset victory over Mirra Andreeva in the night session. Earlier, last year’s finalist Jessica Pegula and world No. 58 Ann Li both advanced to the fourth round, providing moments of joy for the American tennis contingent.

Elsewhere on the courts, Emma Raducanu faced another formidable opponent in Elena Rybakina, resulting in a straight-sets defeat. While her Grand Slam record against top-tier players this year highlights a current limit to her game, Raducanu’s overall improvements in 2025, including a career-high ranking, suggest a positive trajectory for her future, especially as she aims for more favorable draws by improving her seeding in future tennis tournaments.

Jasmine Paolini, despite a stellar year at WTA 1000 events, including winning the Italian Open, continued her struggle to advance deep into Grand Slams, exiting early after a hard-fought match against Markéta Vondroušová. Her departure from the U.S. Open was notably accompanied by the tournament’s unique ‘jumbo tennis ball’ tradition, signaling the end of her run.

The Day 6 recap also included other compelling matches; Aryna Sabalenka delivered a dominant performance against Leylah Fernandez, showcasing her signature ability to win tiebreaks. Benjamin Bonzi’s wild week concluded with a defeat, while upcoming clashes promised more excitement, such as the contrasting styles of Nosková and Muchová, and the anticipated battle between Denis Shapovalov and Jannik Sinner in this high-stakes tennis event.

As the U.S. Open progresses, the focus remains on the resilience of players like Coco Gauff, who faces pressure after recent emotional performances, and the exciting potential of matchups featuring dynamic players like Carlos Alcaraz, who demonstrated remarkable recovery and skill in his own victory. This Grand Slam continues to deliver high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments for tennis fans worldwide.