American tennis stars Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton have made some significant decisions following their disappointing runs at the ongoing US Open.
While No. 14 seed Paul was eliminated by big-serving Kazakh Alexander Bublik in a third-round five-set epic, Shelton suffered heartbreak when he was forced to withdraw from his third-round encounter against French veteran Adrian Mannarino with a shoulder injury.
What Decisions Have Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul Taken on Laver Cup and Davis Cup?
Shelton and Paul, who were nominated to represent the US in the Davis Cup, have withdrawn from the tournament, the USTA said in a statement. Meanwhile, Reilly Opelka, Rajeev Ram, and Austin Krajicek have confirmed their participation in the team event.
“Reilly Opelka, Rajeev Ram, and Austin Krajicek to join US Davis Cup team in Delray Beach,” the USTA wrote on X. “Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul, who were previously nominated, have withdrawn.”
Reilly Opelka, Rajeev Ram, and Austin Krajicek to join US Davis Cup team in Delray Beach.
Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul, who were previously nominated, have withdrawn. pic.twitter.com/gOSbSFV9eP
— USTA (@usta) September 4, 2025
The duo has also withdrawn from another showpiece team event, the Laver Cup, which sees Team Europe compete against Team World.
The tournament has instead roped in upcoming talent Alex Michelsen and Opelka to join Team World.
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“Americans Alex Michelsen and Reilly Opelka will join Team World at this year’s Laver Cup, replacing Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul, who have been forced to withdraw due to injuries,” the Laver Cup posted on its official Instagram page.
What Kinds of Injuries are Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul Nursing?
Shelton’s encounter with wily Frenchman, Mannarino, was evenly poised at two sets apiece when the lefty was forced to pull out with a shoulder injury.
The American got injured when he landed on his left arm after stretching for a ball in the corner to win the third set on a return. In visible pain, Shelton sliced most of his offensive shots in the fourth set after the injury.
He said after pulling out, “Usually, I’ll play through anything and just find a way. And whether it’s sickness or injury, if I can stay out there, I can stay out there. I’ve never felt anything like this before, so that was kind of tough, I guess the uncertainty.”
Notably, it was the first time in 178 career professional matches that Shelton had to stop play.
Paul’s season has also been disrupted this year by injuries. After sustaining an abdominal ailment that derailed his Roland Garros run in the quarterfinals, the American suffered a foot injury at Wimbledon that put him out of action for several weeks.
He returned to action at the Cincinnati Masters, losing in the Round of 32 to Mannarino. He struggled physically in his five-set defeat to Bublik at the US Open.
