Audience favorite is out
Drama at the US Open: Tennis star cries bitter tears
29.08.2025 – 11:22 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Ben Shelton is considered one of the greatest hopes for the future in tennis-but with his “home Grand Slam” in New York, a real drama takes place around the 22-year-old.
The stage was prepared: third-round match in the Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second largest court at the US Open, the last tennis grand slam of the year. The matches of the top stars and co-favorites take place here, local heroes find special attention, guarantee full ranks.
But for US audience favorite Ben Shelton, the duel with the Frenchman Adrian Mannarino became a very bitter experience on Friday. The world ranking list had to give up due to a shoulder injury at 6: 3, 3: 6, 6: 4, 4: 6.
Saße on his bank on the court and cried bitter tears when it became clear after a thorough examination: it no longer goes on. These US Open 2025 are over for him. Father Bryan Shelton, who is also his trainer, also signaled out of the box beforehand: ending. Too bad the impairment, too much the pain under which the youngster could no longer continue playing.
After having a handshake with Mannarino, the 22-year-old wrapped his face in a towel, grabbed his pockets and left the place with the thunderous applause from the audience. Waved again to the spectators, thanked for the encouragement. It is still unclear how severe the injury is really, there is still a precise diagnosis.
Shelton seemed to be in top shape: In preparation for the US Open, he had triumphed at the Masters in Toronto. He had good memories of the US Open and was already in the semi-finals at the traditional major tournament in New York in 2023. Ben Shelton will now have to take a new attempt in the coming year.