Ben Shelton is continuing to make a name for himself at the US Open, impressing fans and critics alike with his spirited performances on the court. Fresh off a solid victory against Pablo Carreño Busta, Shelton, who stood victorious in straight sets (6-4, 6-2, 6-4), is now headed to the third round of this prestigious tournament. His girlfriend, Trinity Rodman—herself a standout soccer player and daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman—has been a constant source of support, cheering him on throughout this intense journey.
After his latest match at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Shelton faced reporters, all smiles, but the mood shifted when Rodman chimed in with a playful jab. “So, how did it feel not being able to serve faster than 135 today?” she teased, referencing his unusually lower serve speed. It was a humorous moment that showcased their light-hearted relationship, bringing a touch of joy to the otherwise serious atmosphere of a press conference.
While it might’ve been a bit embarrassing for Shelton at first—the young athlete couldn’t help but smile and cover his face for a moment—he gracefully took it in stride, responding, “Yeah, it was cold outside. So I think that was, you know, the main reason. I was focused on hitting spots. I didn’t hit those spots. So maybe I should just serve bigger, but it’s something that, you know, I’ll definitely work on next time.” His maturity in addressing the lighthearted criticism reflected not just his sporting spirit but also an understanding of the playful dynamic they share.
With eight aces in his match against Carreño Busta, Shelton is aggressively pursuing his first Grand Slam title. He reached the semifinals of the US Open last year, learning a lot from his loss to the eventual champion, Novak Djokovic. Each match he plays adds to his experience, sharpening his focus and determination, something he shares with Rodman.
Their relationship has blossomed since they started dating in March, and they’ve both been open about their affection for one another—and what a whirlwind it’s been. Rodman made a point to fly directly from California after her NWSL match just to be in the stands to support Shelton, a gesture that deeply moved him. After his win against Ignacio Buse, Shelton even gave her a heartfelt shoutout, saying, “My girlfriend took the red-eye from California last night to be here.”
As Shelton prepares to face Adrian Mannarino in the third round, there’s a palpable excitement around his performance and potential. Fans are not only rooting for his success on the court but also cheering for the uplifting support he receives from Rodman, making it clear that love and sport can intertwine beautifully. With the two of them by each other’s side, the journey through this high-stakes tournament promises to be exhilarating, filled with both challenges and moments of joy.
Image Source: Ben Shelton @ Instagram
