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.

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‘You Won’t Hear Me Pouting About How Bad Things Are’ – Ben Shelton Makes Honest Confession After US Open 2025 Ouster

World No. 6 retired due to ‘worst ever pain’

Disaster struck on Friday, as World No. 6 Ben Shelton was forced to retire from his US Open 2025 Round of 32 encounter against Adrian Mannarino of France. The two players were engaged in an intense battle on Louis Armstrong Stadium, when a shoulder injury meant that Shelton couldn’t continue for any longer. In the end, the 37-year-old advanced with a scoreline of 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 RET.

It was a disheartening end to a phenomenal North American hard court swing for the American. Having achieved his career-best Grand Slam performance at the first three majors of the year, the 22-year-old southpaw was looking to make history at Flushing Meadows. Coming into the tournament, Shelton had claimed his maiden Masters-1000 title at the Canadian Open. Additionally, he also reached the semis in Washington DC as well as the Cincinnati Masters quarterfinal.

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

The No. 6 seed is currently fourth in the ATP Live Race to Turin, and is attempting to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the first time. With a draining final stretch of the season coming up, Shelton will be hoping that the injury isn’t anything too serious.

‘A Lot To Be Thankful For’ – Ben Shelton

At one stage, Shelton was in a commanding position after capturing a two sets to one lead. A semifinalist in New York two years ago, the big serving American was looking to better his record at his home Slam. However, his body had other ideas. “I never retired before. I’m not a guy who would retire if I could continue,” stated the 22-year-old. “I was just trying to adjust and figure out whatever I can to keep competing.”

“I’ve got a lot to be grateful for. Been pretty fortunate with my life; blessings, talents, a lot of things God has given me… But like I said, it’s been a great summer, a lot of things to be thankful for. You won’t hear me over here pouting about how bad things are with the summer that I’ve had; the things I’ve been able to do in this sport in a short amount of time.”

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

Ben Shelton has officially ended his 2025 Grand Slam season with a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open, a Roland Garros pre-quarterfinal, the Wimbledon quarterfinal and Round of 32 at the US Open.

(Image Credits: Geoff Burke, Imagn Images)

Adrian Mannarino

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Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.