Ben Shelton, the No. 6 seed and a two-time major semifinalist, was forced to retire during his third-round match at the US Open on Friday due to a left shoulder injury. The incident occurred during his match against Adrian Mannarino, a 37-year-old French player who secured his first victory against a top-10 player in Grand Slam tournaments.

The Injury Incident

Shelton's injury likely happened when he landed on his left arm after chasing a ball in the corner to win the third set. Early in the fourth set, Shelton began showing signs of discomfort and communicated to his coach's box, "I did something to my shoulder. I don't know what it is."

Match Dynamics

Despite receiving medical treatment during the set and attempting to shorten points by aggressively attacking the net, Shelton's efforts were in vain. After Mannarino won the fourth set, Shelton was visited again by the trainer and ultimately decided to retire from the match.

Impact on the Tournament

This retirement not only marked the end of Shelton's US Open journey but also highlighted the physical demands and unpredictability of Grand Slam tournaments. Mannarino's victory is a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his persistence and skill against higher-ranked opponents.

Conclusion

Shelton's early exit is a reminder of the challenges athletes face in maintaining peak physical condition throughout rigorous tournaments. His performance, despite the injury, underscores his resilience and potential for future successes.