New Delhi: Novak Djokovic found his way back after dropping the second set to overcome Cameron Norrie’s challenge at the US Open. The Serbian quickly recovered
from a lower back problem and beat the unseeded Brit 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-3 to advance to the fourth round.
Djokovic started strong, losing just two points on serve in the opening set, but a timeout after the ninth game raised concerns among fans. He went to the locker room for off-court treatment from ATP physio Clay Sniteman before returning to serve out the set.
At the start of the second set, the 38-year-old appeared in discomfort and received treatment again at the first changeover. The set went the distance, with Norrie holding firm to snatch it in a tiebreak.
From there, Djokovic raised his level, dropping just five games across the next two sets to seal victory. When asked about his back afterward, he played down the issue. “Yeah, it’s all right,” Djokovic said coyly during his on-court interview. “You have some ups and downs… You don’t want to reveal too much to the rivals listening and watching this interview.”
He added, “I’m good, man. I’m as young as ever, as strong as ever. Yes. It’s New York. Even if you’re feeling something body-wise, the energy on this court just overrides it.”
‘As young and strong as ever’ says @DjokerNole 💪 pic.twitter.com/2qE2CGNCdB
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2025
Djokovic will next face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, who advanced after upsetting 2024 semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(7). The Serbian also set a personal best at Flushing Meadows by firing 18 aces in the match.
Shelton retires against Mannarino
Ben Shelton’s US Open campaign came to an abrupt end when he was forced to retire with the scores levelled at 2-2 against Andrian Mannarino. The American had fought his way into the lead after three sets, even winning a dramatic point in the third where he slipped to the ground before closing it out. But just a game later, pain struck and Shelton clutched his left shoulder and called for the trainer, telling his box it was the “worst pain” he had ever felt.
Though he tried to soldier on, his movement changed completely. Instead of trading from the baseline, he rushed the net on almost every point clearly unable to play his natural game. After dropping the fourth set 4-6, he had no choice but to stop handing Mannarino passage into the last 16.
Not the way we wanted it to end…
Shelton is forced to retire before the 5th set and Mannarino advances to the next round.
Wishing you a speedy recovery! @BenShelton @usopen | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/m31Vh7LwHd
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 29, 2025
It was a cruel ending for Shelton, who had been enjoying a breakthrough year. The 22-year-old won his first Masters 1000 in Toronto earlier this month and sits fourth in the Race to Turin, chasing a debut at the ATP Finals. He was also eyeing a shot at becoming the top-ranked American, a spot which is currently held by Taylor Fritz and looked sharp to make it to the last four and bid for becoming the first American to lift a major trophy, finally ending the drought.
For Mannarino, it marks his first trip to the US Open fourth round. Even he admitted Shelton had been the better player before injury struck. “Honestly, he probably would’ve won that match,” the Frenchman said. “That’s unfortunate for him, lucky for me. I’m happy to be through but I wish him the best.”
Mannarino will now face Jiri Lehecka, who brushed aside Raphael Collignon in straight sets 6-4,6-4,6-4.
