\n See draw<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
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.<\/a>). 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.<\/p>\n The match had been a thrilling, back-and-forth affair, showcasing a compelling contrast in lefty styles. Shelton\u2019s explosive, powerful game was met with Mannarino\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Mannarino : \u201cHe would have won\u201d<\/p>\n 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. \u201cWhen he started having pain, he was leading in the match. He probably would\u2019ve won,\u201d Mannarino said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s unfortunate for him and very lucky for me. I suppose I\u2019m happy to get through, but I wish him the best of course.\u201d He was quick to praise Shelton\u2019s talent, reminiscing on their previous encounter and the quality of the current match. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen is playing really well. He kicked my ass at the beginning of the summer. He\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Shelton\u2019s season in Grand Slam<\/p>\n
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