SHANGHAI: Sixth-ranked Ben Shelton is set to return to action at the Shanghai Masters 1000 after missing three tournaments due to a shoulder injury sustained at the U.S. Open.
The 22-year-old American was in the midst of a breakout season when he was forced to retire in the third round against Adrian Mannarino with the match tied at two sets apiece — his first-ever mid-match retirement on the ATP Tour. Despite the setback, Shelton chose optimism, reflecting on his rapid rise through the ranks this year.
Shelton’s 2025 campaign has been highlighted by a semifinal run at the Australian Open, a fourth-round finish at Roland Garros, a Wimbledon quarterfinal, and his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open in July. Ranked fourth on tour in service games won (88.9%), he had been firmly on track for a debut appearance at the ATP Finals in Turin before the injury.
Now, with rivals Alex de Minaur, Lorenzo Musetti, and Felix Auger-Aliassime closing in on the Race to Turin standings, Shelton’s return in Shanghai will be crucial in his push to secure a year-end top-eight spot.
The former University of Florida standout, who turns 23 on October 9, will be aiming to pick up where he left off and finish the season strong.
