"Without his injury, he probably would have won," Mannarino reacts to Shelton's withdrawal at the US Open

Adrian Mannarino has advanced to the round of 16 at the US Open. The 37-year-old Frenchman benefited from Ben Shelton's withdrawal due to a shoulder injury, just after leveling the match at two sets all (3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 ret.).

This marks Mannarino's third victory over Shelton in their four encounters. On a stunned Louis Armstrong Stadium, the world No. 77 reacted to his opponent's first career withdrawal on the main tour.

"When he started feeling the pain, he was ahead on the scoreboard. Without his injury, he probably would have won. It's unfortunate for him; I'm quite lucky today. I don't really know what to say.

I guess I'm happy to have advanced, but of course I wish him all the best. I was enjoying myself on the court; there were long rallies. I won some and lost some.

It was a fun match to play. Ben (Shelton) plays very well. He kicked my butt earlier this summer (at the Toronto Masters 1000, a tournament won by the American). He's a great player, it was a very good match. I was having fun on the court even when I was losing.

Thank you to all the fans who were very fair with me. I know you were supporting Ben, but you did so while showing respect for me," Mannarino stated, who will face Jiri Lehecka in the next round, for The Tennis Letter.