Adrian Mannarino Advances After Ben Shelton Retires from Match
In an unexpected turn during the U.S. Open on August 29, Adrian Mannarino triumphed over Ben Shelton in the Men’s Singles event as Shelton had to retire due to a shoulder injury. The match took place at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Mannarino, 37, humorously remarked it was his “first time winning the match from the toilets,” after Shelton, 22, faced difficulties that led to his retirement. The match had been a fierce contest, stretching over two hours and 45 minutes before Shelton’s injury became too much to bear.
As the bout progressed, Shelton initially attempted to play through the pain, even after taking a medical timeout. However, he eventually had to quit as Mannarino was serving for the fourth set.
Reflecting on the match, Mannarino shared his thoughts on Shelton’s performance. “When he started to feel pain, he was leading. Honestly, he probably would have won that match. It’s unfortunate for him and very lucky for me,” he said, expressing empathy toward his opponent.
Shelton, a rising star in American tennis, publicly expressed his disappointment for having to retire, emphasizing that he has never done so before. “I’m not a guy who would retire if I could continue,” he stated, recognizing the intensity of the match and Mannarino’s skill.
Despite the setback, Shelton remained positive. He acknowledged the enjoyable aspects of his gameplay leading up to the injury and noted the many blessings he has enjoyed throughout his summer in tennis.
As the U.S. Open progresses, Mannarino moves on, while Shelton looks to recover and reflect on the positives of his performance in the tournament. The championship, which began on August 24, will conclude on September 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.
