The drama of the US Open intensified on Friday as the tournament witnessed both heartbreak and history. Rising American star Ben Shelton saw his campaign end in tears after withdrawing mid-match due to a severe shoulder injury, while Novak Djokovic overcame his own physical struggles to advance and etch his name into the record books.
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Shelton, the sixth seed and recent Canadian Open champion, was engaged in an enthralling contest against French veteran Adrian Mannarino on Louis Armstrong Stadium. The young American started brightly but faltered as discomfort in his shoulder turned into unbearable pain. During a medical timeout, Shelton told his father and coach, Bryan, that he was in the “worst pain” of his life. Despite his determination to continue, the 21-year-old was unable to finish. With the match tied at two sets apiece, Shelton broke down in tears and conceded before the deciding set, leaving fans stunned and sympathetic.
The day grew darker for American hopes as 17th seed Frances Tiafoe fell 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(7) to Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, and 10th seed Emma Navarro suffered a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 loss to unseeded Barbora Krejcikova.
But under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Novak Djokovic turned back the clock. The 38-year-old Serbian battled through lower back pain to defeat Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3. In doing so, he became the oldest man to reach the last 16 at the US Open since Jimmy Connors in 1991. Djokovic also surpassed Roger Federer for the most hardcourt wins at the majors, recording his 192nd triumph. The four-time champion is now edging closer to a record 25th Grand Slam title.
“I’m good, man. I’m as young as ever and strong as ever,” Djokovic said with a smile after the victory, dismissing concerns about age and fitness.
Elsewhere, defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a minor knee scare to cruise past Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0. Alcaraz admitted he felt a sharp pain during one service point but said it quickly subsided, allowing him to unleash a dominant performance.
The women’s draw also delivered high drama. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka beat Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 7-6(2), avenging her semi-final loss to the Canadian in 2021. “I really wanted this revenge,” said Sabalenka, delighted with her commanding performance.
There was disappointment for British fans as 2021 champion Emma Raducanu bowed out to Elena Rybakina 6-1, 6-2, marking the end of British hopes in both draws. Jessica Pegula, however, kept home fans engaged, dispatching Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 7-5. Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova also advanced, beating Jasmine Paolini 7-6(4), 6-1.
Perhaps the biggest shock came from unseeded American Taylor Townsend, who upset fifth seed Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-2, storming into the last 16.
Despite his anguish, Shelton faced the press with remarkable composure, reflecting on his breakthrough summer rather than dwelling on his injury. “I’ve been pretty fortunate with my life: blessings, talents, a lot of things God’s given me,” he said. “You won’t hear me pouting about how bad things are with the summer that I’ve had and the people I got around me.”
Later in the night, Taylor Fritz offered American fans some consolation, battling past Switzerland’s Jerome Kym 7-6(3), 6-7(9), 6-4, 6-4 to become the only American man in the last 16. Fellow countryman Tommy Paul, seeded 14th, will attempt to join him when he faces Alexander Bublik on Saturday.
The day perfectly captured the essence of the US Open: a mix of triumph and heartbreak, where emerging talents falter under cruel circumstances while seasoned champions continue to redefine longevity and greatness.
