In a devastating turn of events at Flushing Meadows, the US Open witnessed a dramatic and premature exit for one of its most exciting contenders. American hope Ben Shelton, the 14th seed, saw his tournament dreams evaporate in a cloud of pain and frustration during his third-round clash against France's Adrian Mannarino.
The match, which had been tightly contested, took a sour turn in the fourth set. Shelton, visibly struggling and favouring his right shoulder, underwent a lengthy medical timeout at 2-1 down. Despite attempts to continue, his power and famed serve were visibly neutered by the injury.
After being broken to love, succumbing to a meek forehand into the net, the 22-year-old could fight no longer. In a heart-breaking scene, he approached the net to shake the hand of a understandably concerned Mannarino, retiring from the match while trailing 6-7, 6-3, 7-5, 3-1.
A Dream Run Cut Short
Shelton's exit marks a crushing end to his US Open campaign, a tournament where many had tipped him for a deep run. His powerful game and explosive serve had made him a fearsome opponent on the hard courts of New York. This injury not only robs him of a potential Grand Slam breakthrough but also deals a significant blow to the American charge for the title on home soil.
Mannarino Advances Amid Unfortunate Circumstances
For the experienced Adrian Mannarino, the victory propels him into the fourth round of the US Open. While advancement is always the goal, the manner of this win—through an opponent's retirement—is undoubtedly bittersweet. The 36-year-old Frenchman now awaits the winner of the match between Jannik Sinner and Tomas Machac, a formidable challenge awaits.
The tennis world now holds its breath for news on the severity of Shelton's shoulder injury, with hopes that the young star's recovery will be swift and complete.
