Aug 29, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Ben Shelton (USA) (M) is examined by an ATP trainer during a medical timeout against Adrian Mannarino (FRA) (not pictured) on day six of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament at Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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Ben Shelton Injury Update – What Happened to Ben Shelton at the US Open 2025

Ben Shelton forced to retire from round 3 in the US Open.

Ben Shelton faces a major roadblock after his quest to become the American No.1 ended prematurely at round 3 of the US Open. However, unlike others, Shelton wasn’t a part of an upset. Rather, the 22-year-old was forced to retire after a hard-fought 4 sets due to a sudden shoulder injury. “I’ve never felt anything like this,” Shelton said after the retirement. So what exactly happened to Shelton? Here’s all we know about this situation as of now.

Ben Shelton Injures His Shoulder In a US Open Heartbreak

The crowd in the Louis Armstrong Stadium was left heartbroken after Shelton couldn’t take part in the 5th set of his match against Adrian Mannarino. The American hadn’t looked comfortable in the 4th set, but somehow managed to push through. However, as Shelton revealed later, the shoulder pain just grew more severe as the set went on.

Ben Shelton after being forced to retire from his match against Mannarino at U.S. Open:

“It hurts. But you won’t hear me pouting over here about how bad things are. I have a lot of blessings. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/KtgzIu34S8
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 29, 2025

“I was just trying to adjust and figure out whatever I can to keep competing,” Shelton revealed. “Even though I was in pain, I was just in that competitive mindset of trying to find a way and push through it, so it was not really a thought in my mind.” It was quite visible in his plays. The world No. 6 had to resort to slicing his forehand, as whenever he hit a topspin forehand, he winced with pain.

Ben Shelton was forced to retire for the first time in 178 career matches.

He will be back, no doubt about that 👊 pic.twitter.com/dlm5Kajlbb
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2025

However, Shelton remained mum about the details of the injury. The American star did make it clear that he didn’t enter the match injured. Something happened in the fourth set that set off the pain that ultimately proved too much to handle. The physiotherapist made continuous appearances to help alleviate Shelton’s pain, but it was to no avail. As a result, Ben Shelton was forced to have an anti-climactic end to his US Open journey.

Adrian Mannarino Admits Shelton Would’ve Won Had He Stayed Fit

Shelton’s opponent, Adrian Mannarino, was left surprised at his sudden win. The 37-year-old was in sublime form after he almost gave Shelton a scare by winning sets 2 and 3. However, the momentum began shifting in the 4th set, and Mannarino took note of it as well.

“When he started to have pain, he was leading in the match,” Mannarino said after winning the match. “Honestly, he probably would’ve won that match. That’s unfortunate for him, and lucky for me. I don’t really know what to say right now. I’m happy to be through but I wish him the best, of course.”

As for Ben Shelton, one hopes this shoulder injury doesn’t have any long-term effects on the player. The American player broke out big this year and was hoping to build on this in 2026. But any longterm ramifications of this shoulder problem might prove to be disastrous for this 22-year-old.

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Adrian Mannarino

ATP

Ben Shelton

Tennis

US Open 2025

Sanskar Dubey

A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.