(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
US Open Drama: Ben Shelton Withdraws, Djokovic Makes History
New York, August 30, 2025:
Ben Shelton’s US Open run ended in heartbreak on Friday as the American sixth seed withdrew mid-match with a shoulder injury he described as the “worst pain” of his life. Shelton was competing against France’s Adrian Mannarino at Louis Armstrong Stadium when he suffered the injury, forcing him to retire before the decisive set.
“This summer has been amazing, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had,” Shelton told the media, showing resilience despite his setback.
Other upsets saw 17th seed Frances Tiafoe fall 6-4 6-3 7-6(7) to Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, while 10th seed Emma Navarro lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to unseeded Barbora Krejcikova.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic battled through a lower back problem to defeat Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7(4) 6-2 6-3, becoming the oldest man to reach the US Open last 16 since Jimmy Connors in 1991. Djokovic also surpassed Roger Federer with his 192nd hardcourt major victory, moving closer to a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Defending champions also faced challenges: Carlos Alcaraz overcame a minor knee scare to beat Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-4 6-0, while Aryna Sabalenka avenged her 2021 semi-final loss to Leylah Fernandez with a 6-3 7-6(2) win. Emma Raducanu, however, was eliminated 6-1 6-2 by Elena Rybakina, ending Britain’s women’s hopes.
Other notable progressions to the last 16 include Jessica Pegula, Marketa Vondrousova, unseeded Taylor Townsend, and American fourth seed Taylor Fritz, the only remaining male US contender, following his 7-6(3) 6-7(9) 6-4 6-4 win over Switzerland’s Jerome Kym.
The US Open continues with high-stakes battles as players vie for a place in the quarter-finals.
