Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Frances Tiafoe reacts to Ben Shelton’s injury retirement at the US Open

Originally posted on HITC | By Callum Davies | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 9:14 AM ET

It was a rough day for American men’s tennis at the US Open, with both Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe bowing out.

But while their exits were very different, Tiafoe was well beaten in straight sets, while Shelton saw a two-set lead slip away after picking up an injury.

Shelton had looked comfortable and seemed set to move into the third round before things took a turn for the worse.

An injury forced his level to drop, and he lost the fourth set before retiring in tears ahead of the fifth.

It was tough viewing. The 21-year-old left the court with his face buried in a towel, trying to hide just how much it all hurt.

Tiafoe was asked about it during his own post-match interview later on. Here’s what he had to say:

Frances Tiafoe on how he’ll reach out to Ben Shelton after injury news

“I didn’t know that,” he said. Tiafoe had his own challenges to focus on, having just been beaten in straight sets by Jan-Lennard Struff, whose serve proved too much to handle.

He repeated his surprise but was clear about what he planned next: “I didn’t see any scores or any of the matches, so I had no idea. Definitely going to give him a text and see how he is feeling. I really had no idea.

Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images

“You don’t want to see [that]. I saw he was up two sets to one on court and thought that was it. I figured he won. That always sucks to go out like that.

“I have had that feeling, but especially in a Grand Slam in a match he was most likely going to win, that is very tough.”

“But ultimately I only really care about what just happened to me, to be honest.”

This isn’t the first time this week Tiafoe has reacted publicly, having also weighed in on Taylor Townsend’s dispute with Jelena Ostapenko earlier in the tournament.

Gauff and Fritz carry hopes as other Americans drop out

Even with other Americans still in the draw, it’s no shock that the country’s top-ranked players on both the men’s and women’s sides are still going strong in New York.

Coco Gauff, despite her well-known issues with her forehand and serve, continues to find ways to win. It says a lot about her mental strength that she keeps pushing deep into tournaments under such intense pressure.

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Her emotional second-round victory was another reminder of just how much weight she carries, even as she continues to pick up wins.

Taylor Fritz is a quieter presence but has become a model of consistency over the years. He’s also under pressure this fortnight, defending the finalist points he earned last year.

The US Open still features several other Americans including Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, Amanda Anisimova, Ann Li and Tommy Paul. But as long as Gauff and Fritz keep advancing they will remain front and centre for fans hoping to see a hometown champion.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: