"First time winning from the toilet": Adrian Mannarino amusingly wins from the bathroom after Ben Shelton US Open shoulder retirement

Adrian Mannarino joked on court after sealing victory over Ben Shelton that it was his first time winning from the toilet as the American had to retire in heartbreaking circumstances from the US Open.

Mannarino at the age of 37 continues to do it for the veteran contingent and in going into the lions den that is a Ben Shelton match at the US Open, it was very much an even affair until disaster struck for the recent Canadian Open champion.

That being that he suddenly suffered a shoulder injury which he played on with but the writing was firmly on the wall as he then retired with it heading towards a final set. Locked in at 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6 in Shelton's favour, it flipped as Mannarino admitted himself selflessly that he likely would've lost had Shelton been at 100%.

"When he started to have pain, he was leading in the match. He would have probably won that match. So, yeah, that's unfortunate for him, and that's very lucky for me. But, yeah, I don't really know what to say right now. Of course, I'm happy to get through, and I wish him the best," said Mannarino on court.

"I was having good fun on the court. There were some really long rallies—I was losing some of them, winning some of them—but I think that was a pretty cool match to play. Ben is playing really well. You know, he kicked my ass in the beginning of the summer, and he's such an amazing player. But, yeah, it was a great match. I was enjoying my time, honestly, on the court. Even if I was losing, it was still a pretty cool match. And thanks to all of you guys for being nice with me. I mean, cheering for Ben, of course, but still having a good time."

But it also saw Mannarino find out about the retirement in perhaps the most bizarre way. As Shelton was gesturing towards his box and called it the worst pain he'd felt in his life, Mannarino was having a toilet break and joked on court afterwards.

"Well, you know, I’m just trying. I’m trying. I’m 37 years old, and it’s my first time that I’m winning a match from the toilet. So, you know, there are always new things coming up. And, yeah, I mean, I’m still enjoying my time on court, and I hope that I’m going to extend it for a little while."

Insisting on not knowing who he plays next, it is in all likelihood going to be Carlos Alcaraz later as he remains none the wiser. "Well, for now, I’m just going to try to enjoy my day, enjoy my time. It’s been a lot of stress, a lot of fight today. The later I know, the later I’m going to get into the match and keep my energy for the next one. So, you know, I just live the moment right now."

For now it is Jiri Lehecka for the French veteran after he also took down Jordan Thompson and Tallon Griekspoor. Very much not the way you want to win but a pretty amusing way either way for Mannarino to suddenly return not to Shelton but him leaving the court injured having won the game.