US Open heartbreak for Shelton, Djokovic makes history and Alcaraz advances

Ben Shelton’s U.S. Open dream ended in tears on Friday after the American was forced to withdraw mid-match with a painful shoulder injury, while Novak Djokovic battled through his own physical struggles to reach yet another milestone at Flushing Meadows.

The 21-year-old Shelton, seeded sixth and fresh off his Canadian Open triumph, was locked in a thrilling contest with France’s Adrian Mannarino when disaster struck. During a medical timeout, Shelton told his father and coach Bryan: “I just did something to my shoulder… I’m in a lot of pain.”

As Mannarino leveled the match at two sets apiece, Shelton tearfully retired before the decider, leaving a stunned Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd in silence.

Elsewhere, fellow American Frances Tiafoe fell in straight sets to Jan-Lennard Struff, and 10th seed Emma Navarro was upset by 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova.

Under the lights, 38-year-old Djokovic shrugged off a lower back scare to beat Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3, becoming the oldest man since Jimmy Connors (1991) to reach the U.S. Open last 16. The Serb also overtook Roger Federer for the most hardcourt major wins (192) as he continues his chase for a record 25th Grand Slam title. “I’m good, man. I’m as young as ever and strong as ever,” Djokovic declared.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz also overcame injury worries, dismissing Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 after a brief knee scare. Aryna Sabalenka avenged her 2021 semifinal loss to Leylah Fernandez with a 6-3, 7-6(2) win, while Jessica Pegula and Marketa Vondrousova also advanced.

The biggest women’s shock came from Taylor Townsend, who ousted fifth seed Mirra Andreeva in straight sets to book her first-ever U.S. Open fourth-round spot.

Fourth seed Taylor Fritz restored American hopes late on, battling past Switzerland’s Jerome Kym in four sets to remain the last U.S. man standing in the last 16. He could be joined by compatriot Tommy Paul, who faces Alexander Bublik on Saturday.

Despite the heartbreak, Shelton struck an optimistic note: “You won’t hear me pouting… with the summer I’ve had and the people I’ve got around me, I’m blessed.”

SportsLigue