Ben Shelton breaks down in tears after American star is forced to PULL OUT of US Open match with injury

Ben Shelton leant forward in his chair and pulled a towel over his face. By then, it was too late. Tears had begun to gather in his eyes and time was up.

'Stop,' came the message from his father and coach, Bryan Shelton. Cue more waterworks and a heartbreaking end for the No 6 seed.

Less than an hour earlier, Shelton led Adrian Mannarino by two sets to one. He was five games away from the US Open fourth round.

But then he struck one forehand that changed the course of this match and lit the fuse on his hopes of winning a first Grand Slam. 'The worst pain I ever felt in my life,' Shelton could be heard telling his father.

He soldiered on, his hammer forehand replaced by slice to reduce the agony. But Shelton was powerless to prevent Mannarino leveling the match. That signaled the end.

And so, around 5pm on Friday - a towel still draped over his head - Shelton waved a tearful goodbye to Louis Armstrong Stadium and a crowd that adores this American star. 

For Shelton, this third-round exit is a crushing blow. For the US Open, too. The No 6 seed - the most electrifying homegrown player in either draw - was on course for a quarterfinal showdown with Carlos Alcaraz. 

Instead he is headed to the treatment table.   

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