US Open: Mannarino advances as Shelton retires: a bitter and to an American’s US Open run

Adrian Mannarino benefited from the abandonment of Ben Shelton (3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4) on Friday evening. He’ll face Czech Jiri Lehecka, the No 20 seed, in the next round

29 August 2025

Ben Shelton, US Open 2025 | © Javier Garcia/Shutterstock/SIPA

US Open •Third round • Completed

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B. SheltonvsA. Mannarino

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center witnessed a dramatic and unfortunate conclusion to a third-round encounter on Friday night, as American hope Ben Shelton was forced to retire from his match against veteran Frenchman Adrian Mannarino at two sets all (3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 ret.). With the crowd anticipating a fifth-set showdown, Shelton, the No. 6 seed, was unable to continue due to a shoulder injury, a bitter end to what has been a career-defining season for the young American.

The match had been a thrilling, back-and-forth affair, showcasing a compelling contrast in lefty styles. Shelton’s explosive, powerful game was met with Mannarino’s crafty, unpredictable finess. The American drew first blood, claiming the opening set 6-3, but the 37-year-old Mannarino, ranked No. 77, responded with a 6-3 victory in the second.

Shelton dug deep to take a tense third set, 6-4, before Mannarino once again leveled the match at 6-4 in the fourth. The turning point arrived at the start of the fourth set. Serving at 0-1, 30-15, Shelton took a medical timeout to receive treatment for an issue with his left shoulder. While he attempted to continue, he was visibly hindered, a noticeable shift from the long, grueling baseline rallies that had defined the match up to that point.

Mannarino : “He would have won”

The unfortunate turn of events left Mannarino with mixed emotions. Speaking after the match, the Frenchman expressed sympathy for his opponent and acknowledged his own good fortune. “When he started having pain, he was leading in the match. He probably would’ve won,” Mannarino said.

“It’s unfortunate for him and very lucky for me. I suppose I’m happy to get through, but I wish him the best of course.” He was quick to praise Shelton’s talent, reminiscing on their previous encounter and the quality of the current match. “I was having good fun on the court. Really long rallies. I was losing some and winning some. But it was a pretty cool match to play.”

“Ben is playing really well. He kicked my ass at the beginning of the summer. He’s such an amazing player. It was a great match. I was enjoying my time on court even if I was losing. Thanks all of you guys for being nice with me. Cheering for Ben of course, but having good fun.”

Shelton’s season in Grand Slam

For Shelton, this retirement marks a tough and painful way to exit his home Grand Slam. The American has been having the season of his life, arriving in New York as a personal-best No. 6 seed. He and Taylor Fritz were the first American duo to be top-eight seeds in the men’s singles draw at the US Open since Andy Roddick and James Blake in 2007.

Shelton’s performance in 2025 Grand Slams has been exceptional, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. His only losses this year at the majors have come against the eventual champions – Jannik Sinner in Australia and Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros.

With the outcome, Mannarino advances to the last 16 of the US Open for the first time in his career. His reward is a clash with Czech Jiri Lehecka, the No. 20 seed, who advanced with a dominant victory agaisnt Raphael Collignon: 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.