"Honestly, he probably would have won" - Adrian Mannarino on winning his US Open match in an unexpected way after opponent withdraws due to injury

2025 US Open - Day 6 - Source: Getty
Adrian Mannarino and Ben Shelton share an embrace after Shelton retired from their third-round match at the 2025 US Open in New York City. (Image via Getty/Sarah Stier)

Adrian Mannarino won his Men's Singles match against Ben Shelton in the most unconventional way on what was day six of the U.S. Open on Friday, August 29.

Per People Magazine, the 37-year-old was in the toilet when he learned that he was the winner at Louis Armstrong Stadium. He even jokingly told the crowd that it was his "first time winning the match from the toilets." His 22-year-old opponent, Ben Shelton, had to take a step back from the game after he overexerted himself and injured his shoulder.

"When he started to have pain, he was leading. Honestly, he probably would have won that match. It's unfortunate for him and very lucky for me, but I don't really know what to say. I'm happy to get through. I wish him the best, of course," Adrian Mannarino, the French tennis pro continued.

Everything we know about Ben Shelton and Adrian Mannarino's recent match:

As reported by CNN Sports, Shelton, the No. 6-seeded and two-time major semifinalist, was forced to stop the match after he dropped the fourth set against Adrian Mannarino. This then forced a fifth set. However, during the match, he could be seen grimacing as he said to his coach,

“I did something to my shoulder. I don’t know what it is.” At one point, he also said that it was the “worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life."

He was treated in the middle of his set, to no avail. He eventually had to call it quits on his match as he exited the court with a towel over his head, visibly emotional.

He retired the match with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6. Adrian Mannarino, the French tennis star, was then given his first win in 23 career matches against the top 10 players in Grand Slam tournaments, per CNN.

ATP Tour has reported that the loss comes as a massive blow to Ben Shelton, who was looking to toughen his grip on the American No. 1. Taylor Fritz, last year's finalist and world No. 5, currently holds the title. Shelton is now fourth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin and is looking to make his debut at the Nitto ATP Finals when it rolls around in November.

As for Adrian Mannarino, this marks his first time in the fourth round of the US Open in his career. He is now expected to have a showdown against 20th seed Jiri Lehecka, who recently beat Raphael Collignon 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.


Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more.

Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!

Edited by Debanjana