Ben Shelton Withdraws from Japan Open
Ben Shelton has officially pulled out of the 2025 Japan Open in Tokyo due to a shoulder injury incurred during the recent US Open. The American tennis star, currently ranked sixth in the ATP Rankings, had been a standout performer this season and was anticipated to be a strong contender in the competition, particularly following his recent victory at the Canadian Open prior to the US Open.
Injury Details and Impact
Shelton’s run in the US Open was cut short after winning his first two matches. During his third-round match against Adrian Mannarino, he suffered a left shoulder injury that hindered his ability to continue in the tournament. Originally, his comeback was scheduled for the Laver Cup in San Francisco, but he chose to withdraw from that exhibition event, a decision that raised minimal concern at the time.
Nonetheless, his absence from the Japan Open, taking place from September 24 to 30, has raised some alarms regarding his recovery and the potential impact on his season. His name has unfortunately been removed from the entry list for this significant ATP 500 event.
Future Prospects
Following this, there is anticipation around his participation in the upcoming Shanghai Masters, a prestigious ATP Masters 1000 tournament, which is critical for his ambitions to qualify for the ATP Finals, an achievement that would mark a significant milestone in his career.
Current Standing and Competition
Analyzing his current standing, Shelton holds 3,710 points, placing him fifth in the 2025 ATP Race. The top eight players at the end of the season secure spots in the ATP Finals, and Shelton is in a somewhat favorable position. Particularly beneficial for him is Novak Djokovic’s uncertain commitment to the event, which might open a spot.
However, with Jack Draper reducing his chances by ending his season early, it looks like Shelton is relatively safe with a 720-point margin above the ninth position. Felix Auger-Aliassime, trailing Shelton with 2,705 points, remains the closest competitor, yet Shelton’s points cushion means he may still qualify even if he sits out for the rest of the year.
Conclusion
This situation raises questions on how Shelton’s recovery and subsequent decisions will ultimately shape his aspirations for the ATP Finals and the remainder of the season.
