Frances Tiafoe’s reaction after finding out Ben Shelton retired hurt at the US Open in his press conference

Yesterday was a tough one for American men on the tennis tour, with both Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe exiting the US Open.

However, the manner of their defeats varied wildly, with the latter having been swept aside by his opponent, whilst the former saw victory cruelly snatched from him mid-match.

With a two-sets-to-one lead, Ben Shelton seemed a certainty to make the third round.

Alas, disaster struck when an injury naturally forced his level to drop. He lost the fourth set, and in a flood of tears, had to retire before the fifth began.

It was really tough to watch, as the young American exited the court, covering his face with a towel, seeking to hide his outpouring of emotion.

Frances Tiafoe, hearing about this in his post-match press conference, offered his reaction.

Frances Tiafoe on what he’ll do to Ben Shelton after hearing about his injury

He began by insisting: “I didn’t know that.”

Having been embroiled in a battle against Jan-Lennard Struff, the 27-year-old had his own problems to deal with, failing to trouble the big-serving German as he lost in three sets.

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Tiafoe reiterated this, but stated what he will now definitely do: “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.

“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.”

It has been a week of reactions for the two-time US Open semi-finalist, with Tiafoe having spoken about Taylor Townsend’s controversy with Jelena Ostapenko earlier this week too.

Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff continue to lead the way for America

Whilst there are other Americans still in the draw, it should surprise no one that the two top-ranked players in the country on both the men’s and women’s side remain present in New York.

After all, they are where they are for a reason, despite Coco Gauff’s well-documented struggles with the forehand and serve.

It’s a testament to her remarkable mindset that she remains such a prevalent figure in the latter stages of tournaments, given all she has to deal with.

Gauff’s emotional second-round win proves that, despite her continuing to win, the pressure does take its toll on her.

Photo by COLIN MURTY/AFP via Getty Images

Taylor Fritz, meanwhile, is a far more reserved character.

However, he is defending final points from last year, having transformed himself into the picture of consistency in recent years.

Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, Amanda Anisimova, Ann Li and Tommy Paul all remain in the US Open for now, but Fritz and Gauff will still spearhead hopes of a hometown hero claiming the title so long as they keep winning.

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