“The US Open and Davis Cup took a toll”: Ben Shelton forced out of another ATP tournament

Friday, 25 September 2026 at 21:30

Ben Shelton sits after an injury during the 2025 US Open.

Ben Shelton will not play the Japan Open in Tokyo after the American suffered physical problems following an extremely demanding few weeks. The 23-year-old reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open before travelling to Prague for the Davis Cup only days later, where he played two singles matches and lost both.

Shelton's US Open campaign was physically demanding in itself. The American defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal that finished at around 3:33 a.m. local time before going on to reach the final, where he lost to Alexander Zverev. His run included a gruelling battle against Alcaraz that lasted five sets and featured a deciding-set tiebreak.

He then joined the United States Davis Cup team in Prague, but the schedule proved difficult. Shelton lost to Jakub Mensik and Jiri Lehecka as the Czech Republic secured its place in the next round of the qualifiers. The American subsequently confirmed that he was dealing with physical problems and withdrew from the Laver Cup, where he had been expected to be Team World's No.1 player.

Now, Shelton has also been forced to pull out of Tokyo, where he was the No .2 seed and a former champion. His withdrawal further changes the complexion of the tournament, with Carlos Alcaraz now facing one fewer major threat as he attempts to defend the title he won last year.

Shelton's body pays the price after US Open and Davis Cup

The American had originally been one of the biggest attractions in Tokyo after an outstanding season. Shelton has won four titles in 2026, including the Montreal Masters 1000, and has collected 39 victories from 55 matches. Only Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe have won more matches than him this season.

Shelton confirmed his withdrawal through the Japan Open's official Instagram account, explaining that the combination of the US Open and Davis Cup had taken a toll on his body.

“Hi guys, Ben Shelton here. I’ve got some bad news; sadly, I won’t be coming to the Japan Open this year,” he said in the Japan Open Instagram account. “I was really looking forward to seeing all my fans there again this year. It’s a tournament that I love; it was my first ATP title, and I always look forward to playing there."

His US Open campaign was particularly significant. Shelton defeated Alcaraz in a five-set battle after the Spaniard had won his first four matches of the tournament in straight sets. The American eventually reached his first Grand Slam final, establishing himself as one of the biggest names in the men's game.

But only days later, he was back on court for the Davis Cup. The two defeats in Prague came after an already exhausting Grand Slam campaign, and Shelton's subsequent withdrawals from the Laver Cup and Japan Open underline the physical problems that emerged during that period.

“The US Open and Davis Cup took a toll on my body, and I’m not going to be able to make it. The good news is that I hope to be back next year. I appreciate all of your love and support, and hopefully see you in 2027.”

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Alcaraz loses one of his biggest Tokyo threats

Shelton's withdrawal is also significant for Alcaraz. The American was the No.2 seed in Tokyo and was arguably the most dangerous player in the Spaniard's path after defeating him at the US Open.

The Japanese tournament will now have Frances Tiafoe as its second seed. Taylor Fritz, Rafael Jodar, Arthur Fils, Brandon Nakashima, Casper Ruud and Tommy Paul are among the other Top-20 players expected in the Japanese capital, although Fils will have to go through qualifying after failing to enter the main draw in time.

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For Shelton, the Japan Open had particular significance because it was the tournament where he won his first ATP title in 2023. He defeated players including Jordan Thompson and Tommy Paul on the way to the final before overcoming Aslan Karatsev to lift the trophy.

This time, however, the American will have to watch from the sidelines. After reaching a maiden Grand Slam final, playing Davis Cup almost immediately afterwards and then withdrawing from both the Laver Cup and Japan Open, Shelton's priority is now to recover before returning to competition.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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