Injury setback for rising American Ben Shelton: What's the next move following his shoulder problem that resulted in his withdrawal from the US Open?
US Open: Ben Shelton Forced to Retire Due to Shoulder Injury
Ben Shelton, the world's No. 6 player and the second highest-rated American behind Taylor Fritz, had to retire ahead of the fifth set against Adrian Mannarino during their match at the US Open. This was the first time in 178 career professional matches that Shelton had to stop play.
The US Open, being the year's final major, marked a disappointing end to Shelton's impressive summer run. The 23-year-old had been playing the best tennis of his career, winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto and coasting to straight sets wins at the US Open.
The injury occurred during the third set when Shelton landed hard on his left arm after stretching for a ball in the corner to win the set on a wild return. He grimaced a few minutes into the fourth set, and TV audio caught him saying to his coach's box, "I did something to my shoulder. I don't know what it is."
Shelton began to slice most of his offensive shots in the fourth set after the injury and was visibly in pain every time he tried to come over his forehands. Despite the setback, Shelton expressed gratitude for his life's blessings, talents, and the people around him.
"Usually, I'll play through anything and just find a way. And whether it's sickness or injury, if I can stay out there, I can stay out there. I've never felt anything like this before, so that was kind of tough, I guess the uncertainty," Shelton said after the match.
Shelton's physiotherapist was unable to alleviate the pain during the match, and he doesn't yet know if the ailment will be long term or something he can get over quickly. He doesn't know when he suffered the shoulder injury during the match with Mannarino.
Shelton had played in all three of those tournaments last year, reaching the third round of the Japan Open and Shanghai Masters. However, he lost to Arthur Fils and Jannik Sinner in those tournaments.
The Laver Cup begins in San Francisco in two weeks, the Japan Open on Sept. 22, and the Shanghai Masters next month. It remains unclear if Shelton will participate in these tournaments this year due to his shoulder injury. Shelton will likely iron out a plan with his coach and medical staff to determine the best move forward concerning his shoulder situation.
Despite this setback, Shelton's previous best finish at the US Open was a semifinal appearance in 2023. With his talent and determination, fans can expect him to bounce back stronger than ever.
