Match Overview
| Date | Venue | Competition | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 29, 2025 | USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York | US Open 2025 | Ben Shelton vs Adrian Mannarino (Retired: 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4) |
Rising American star Ben Shelton faced veteran Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in a highly anticipated third-round clash. Shelton started strongly, taking the first set with solid baseline play and a mix of aggressive serves and forehands. Mannarino countered in the second set with consistent placement and net approaches, forcing Shelton into extended rallies.
The match reached a turning point during the fourth set when Shelton began experiencing severe left-shoulder pain. Despite attempting to adjust his game with shorter points and net approaches, he eventually retired, handing Mannarino the win. This marked a disappointing end to a promising tournament run for Shelton, who had already impressed earlier in the season.
Injury Details
Shelton described the pain as the “worst I’ve felt in my career,” and it severely limited his movement and stroke execution. Medical staff assessed the injury during a timeout, allowing Shelton to briefly continue the match. However, after weighing the risk of aggravating the shoulder, Shelton retired with the score at 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 (ret.). 
The US Open confirmed that the injury is not career-threatening, but Shelton will undergo rehabilitation before competing in upcoming ATP events. Fans and analysts praised his decision to prioritize long-term health over continuing the match.
Match Analysis
- Set progression: Shelton 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 (ret.)
- Key moments:
- Shelton dominated early with powerful groundstrokes and a high first-serve percentage.
- Mannarino adapted by exploiting Shelton’s restricted mobility, using drop shots and angled shots to force errors.
- The fourth set retirement came after Shelton signaled severe discomfort during baseline rallies.
Tactical analysis shows that Shelton attempted to shorten points, coming to the net more frequently to compensate for reduced shoulder strength. Mannarino’s patient counterpunching highlighted the importance of experience and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
Season Highlights
Despite the setback, Shelton’s 2025 season has been remarkable. He secured his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto, defeating multiple Top 10 opponents. Additionally:
- Reached semifinals in Washington, D.C.
- Australian Open semifinalist
- Roland Garros fourth-round competitor
- Wimbledon quarterfinalist
These achievements reflect Shelton’s rapid rise in men’s tennis, positioning him as one of the sport’s most promising young stars. His consistency across surfaces and tournaments has drawn comparisons with contemporaries such as Frances Tiafoe.
Statistical Insights
| Player | Aces | Double Faults | Winners | Unforced Errors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Shelton | 8 | 4 | 35 | 28 |
| Adrian Mannarino | 6 | 3 | 30 | 25 |
- First-serve percentage: Shelton 65%, Mannarino 68%
- Break points converted: Shelton 2/5, Mannarino 3/6
- Net points won: Shelton 12/18, Mannarino 15/22
Shelton’s aggressive baseline game was evident, but the shoulder injury significantly reduced his court coverage and precision.
Player and Tactical Analysis
- Ben Shelton: Powerful baseline player with heavy forehand and strong serve; mobility was impacted by the shoulder injury.
- Adrian Mannarino: Consistent counterpuncher, patient placement, capitalized on Shelton’s limited mobility.
- Tactics: Shelton tried to shorten rallies and attack the net, while Mannarino relied on precision, drop shots, and exploiting angles.
The match also showcased Shelton’s mental resilience. Even while injured, he continued competing until the risk of further injury forced a retirement, a decision praised by commentators and fans alike.
Outlook and Recovery
Shelton will undergo a focused rehabilitation program for his left shoulder. Analysts expect him to return to ATP tournaments with full mobility, prioritizing longevity over immediate competition. Shelton emphasized gratitude for his season’s achievements and the support from fans and coaching staff, which bodes well for his recovery and future performance.
FAQ
Q: What happened to Ben Shelton at the US Open?
A: Ben Shelton retired from his third-round match against Adrian Mannarino due to a left-shoulder injury.
Q: How did Shelton perform earlier in the season?
A: Shelton won his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto, reached the semifinals in Washington, D.C., Australian Open semifinal, Roland Garros fourth round, and Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Q: Will Shelton return to the tour soon?
A: He is expected to undergo rehabilitation and return to ATP events once fully recovered, focusing on long-term health and performance.
Q: How did Frances Tiafoe perform at the 2025 US Open?
A: Tiafoe was also eliminated in the third round, making it a challenging tournament for American men.
