‘Not sure I’ll ever play again’: Shelby Rogers’ pain behind Barty boilover

The last American women left in the US Open draw beat World No. 1 Ash Barty but the miracle had already happened earlier.

Shelby Rogers’ shock third round win over World No. 1 Ash Barty at the US Open has stunned the tennis world but arguably no more than the American herself.

The 28-year-old World No. 43 from South Carolina pulled off the biggest win of her career in the 6-2 1-6 7-6 upset, ending a five match streak for the Aussie.

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The pair had also met four times this season with Barty claiming all four previous matches.

But in the heat of the US Open, the vocal crowd cheered their local hero to the win.

It was just her second ever win over a top five player and Rogers was blown away by the result, looking quite emotional after the match.

The pair shared a tender embrace at the end of the match and afterwards, Rogers admitted she didn’t remember what happened on match point, only remembering telling herself that “a big first serve would be nice”.

But she praised the crowd again for making it an unforgettable moment for her, saying she had “chills” from what the crowd brought.

The crowd was right behind Rogers. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images/AFP

In her on court interview, Rogers said the crowd got her over the line.

“I feel like you guys have picked who you want to win and it’s happening,” she said. “So thank you for picking me tonight. You guys are in control of the tournament.”

She then backed that up on Twitter.

Case and point. NY you are absolutely incredible! Thank you for tonight! Unforgettable.
❤️🤍💙🇺🇸 @usopen#usopenhttps://t.co/aMkhx7oCnX

— Shelby Rogers (@Shelby_Rogers_) September 5, 2021

Rogers is having a strong year with her best showing at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and now a win shy of equalling her best showing at Flushing Meadows.

She plays in form young Brit Emma Raducanu in the fourth round.

But back in 2018, Rogers believed she’d never be able to reach this level.

Having required knee surgery in May 2018, she missed the rest of the season and didn’t return until April 2019.

“Six months after my surgery, I remember telling my PT, I’m not sure I’ll ever play again,” Rogers told ESPN with her voice cracking. “So this is extra special for me.

“To do it in New York is extra incredible. Last year we were here, I had a good run, made the quarters, so there is a little bit of pressure coming back but man is it a different tournament with fans this year. It’s truly amazing.”

Rogers couldn’t believe it. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images/AFP

Pressed further on what changed her mind about not being able to come back, Rogers said: “The people around me were incredible, just encouraging me. I was finally able to do a squat again so that was helpful too. Just the little things in rehab when you’re coming back just trying to stay positive. But the people around you can just help so much when you’re doubting yourself and don’t believe in yourself and people saying you’re past it. Just choosing people who can help your through those moment is important.”

It's the second time she’s ever defeated a top five player but was emotional after match point.

“Not only moving on here in New York, it’s always emotional at your home slam, but just what Ash has done to me in the past,” Rogers said.

“She beat me twice in Australia in front of her home crowd, she took me down in my home town and she really embarrassed me in Madrid. I guess I just wanted to show her what New York could do.

“Man, she is a competitor, she is a fighter. I have so much respect for her. What she has done this year is unfathomable. She hasn’t been able to go home for the whole season, she’s won five titles, the level she brings every week is what we all aspire to do.”

This is why we love Ash as well – always gracious. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

The loss won’t hurt Barty too much however, with her best result at the US Open a fourth round finish in 2018 and 2019, while she skipped the 2020 tournament due to the Covid pandemic.

Barty came into the tournament with a 3175 point lead on top of the WTA rankings ahead of Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka.