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US Open 2025: Ben Shelton Retires, Frances Tiafoe Stunned in Shock Exit

It was a heartbreaking Friday at the US Open for American men’s tennis as Ben Shelton retired mid-match with a shoulder injury and Frances Tiafoe suffered a shock defeat. With only Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul still in the race, the dream of ending a 22-year Grand Slam drought looks tougher than ever.

By Aakash Khuman 09:59 AM Aug 30, 2025 IST

Ben Shelton was forced to retire from his US Open third-round match on Friday with France’s Adrian Mannarino

US Open 2025: Ben Shelton, seeded No. 6, was forced to retire for the first time in his career during his third-round clash against Adrian Mannarino. Leading by two sets to one, Shelton injured his shoulder after landing heavily on his left arm. Despite trying to continue with serve-and-volley tactics, the pain proved too much. Mannarino eventually advanced 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, ret.

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Emotional Reaction

Shelton, with his shoulder wrapped in ice, left the Louis Armstrong Stadium in tears. Reflecting on the loss, the 22-year-old said: “I’ve never retired before. I’m not a guy who would retire if I could continue … but I’ve got a lot to be grateful for.”

Mannarino’s Big Break

For 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino, ranked 77th in the world, the win marked his first-ever victory over a top-10 player at a Grand Slam and his maiden entry into the second week of the US Open. He now faces Czech seed Jiri Lehecka for a quarterfinal spot.

Frances Tiafoe’s Shock Defeat

Adding to the American woes, Frances Tiafoe crashed out against German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(9). Tiafoe, who had reached the semifinals in New York twice in the past three years, admitted he played “extremely passive” and struggled to adapt to the quick conditions.

Struff’s Surprise Run

For Struff, 35, the win was another highlight in his impressive run after earlier defeating No. 11 seed Holger Rune. His journey now sets him up for a potential fourth-round showdown with Novak Djokovic.

American Hopes Narrow

The twin exits of Shelton and Tiafoe leave only Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul carrying US hopes. Fritz, last year’s runner-up, faced Swiss qualifier Jérôme Kym in the night session, while Paul advanced after a grueling five-set battle.

Drought Continues

It has been 22 years since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph, the last men’s Grand Slam win for the US. With Shelton out injured and Tiafoe stunned, the possibility of ending that drought at this year’s US Open looks slimmer than ever.

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