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Ben Shelton Withdraws from Mexican Open Due to Quad Injury After Dallas Triumph

Ben Shelton has withdrawn from the Mexican Open in Acapulco to focus on physical recovery, citing quadriceps discomfort. The American is coming off a dramatic title run in Dallas, where he saved three championship points to defeat Taylor Fritz. Shelton has enjoyed a strong start to 2026, reaching quarter-finals in Auckland and the Australian Open before his Dallas victory. The world No. 9 currently holds an impressive 10-2 match record for the season.

Key Points: Ben Shelton Withdraws from Mexican Open with Quad Injury

  • Shelton withdraws from Mexican Open
  • Citing quadriceps discomfort
  • Coming off Dallas title win
  • Saved 3 championship points vs. Fritz
  • Holds a 10-2 season record
2 min read

Ben Shelton withdraws from Mexican Open in Acapulco

World No. 9 Ben Shelton withdraws from Acapulco to recover physically after winning the Dallas title in a dramatic final against Taylor Fritz.

"I had to fight until the last minute... I tried to be a competitor through and through. - Ben Shelton"

Acapulco, Feb 21

Ben Shelton will not compete at this year's Mexican Open, with tournament organisers confirming that the American has opted to step aside in order to recover physically.

Ranked No. 9 in the ATP standings, Shelton has made three previous appearances in Acapulco. His deepest run came in 2024, when he advanced to the last eight before falling in a three-set battle to Casper Ruud. Event officials in Acapulco stated that Shelton has been dealing with quadriceps discomfort, prompting his withdrawal from the Mexican tournament.

The 23-year-old is coming off a title run in Dallas, where he saved three championship points to defeat Taylor Fritz and capture his first title of the season and fourth ATP Tour title.

Shelton has enjoyed a strong opening stretch to his 2026 campaign. He reached the quarter-finals in Auckland and again at the Australian Open before lifting the title in Dallas. He currently holds a 10-2 record on the season.

The American No. 1 roared back from a set down to earn a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory for his second ATP 500 trophy, saving all three championship points in a nervy 10th game of the decider.

With the one-hour, 51-minute victory, Shelton improved to 2-1 in his head-to-head series with Fritz. Since the beginning of 2025, Shelton is 11-4 in deciding-set matches, including nine wins from a set down, ATP reports.

"It feels amazing. I thank God, because I needed something super natural to end up winning this tournament with all the holes that I was in. I feel grateful to play five matches out here with these crowds. The energy was amazing," said Shelton after the win.

"I had to fight until the last minute. Fritz was playing very good tennis and I was struggling a lot with what he was throwing at me. I tried to be a competitor through and through, and I ended up coming out on top. I think it's a testament to the work me and my team put in," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
He's having such a great season, winning in Dallas like that! Must be disappointing for the fans in Acapulco, but completely understandable. That match against Fritz sounded epic.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian sports fan, I appreciate his dedication. We see our cricketers play through niggles sometimes and it backfires. Shelton is thinking long-term. Wise decision.
M
Michael C
It's a shame for the tournament, but player welfare has to come first. The modern tennis calendar is brutal. Hopefully the slot goes to a good qualifier who can make the most of the opportunity.
S
Shreya B
His fighting spirit is incredible! Saving three championship points... wow. Get well soon, Ben. Indian fans are following your journey.
K
Karthik V
Respect for listening to his body. Many players push too hard for rankings and appearance fees. This shows maturity. On a side note, when will we see an Indian player consistently in the ATP top 10? That's the dream.

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