Trinity Rodman Backs Ben Shelton After US Open Final

Professional soccer player Trinity Rodman has supported tennis player Ben Shelton through major career moments, including his appearance in the 2026 US Open final in New York on September 13. The Washington Spirit forward traveled from Washington, D.C., to watch Shelton face Alexander Zverev and later revealed that she had also managed to return one of her boyfriend's powerful serves during their tennis practice.

According to AOL, Rodman traveled approximately 200 miles from Audi Field in Washington, D.C., after competing in a Washington Spirit match against Boston Legacy FC. She hired a private jet to make the trip to Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, arriving near the end of the match and during the trophy ceremony.

Shelton lost the final to Zverev 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2. Despite missing most of the match, Rodman said attending the occasion mattered more than the outcome.

In an interview with ESPNW, Rodman described the decision to make the expensive last-minute journey as an expression of her commitment to Shelton.

"Yeah, after the game, I got on a little private jet. Splurged on that because it’s just so important to me, and it was such an amazing time, and even though it wasn’t the result that he or I wanted, I think just being there for him in a big moment and… it still was such a big accomplishment. So I think that is the cool thing about tennis.

It’s like you don’t necessarily have to win for it to be a really good achievement. So, yeah, that was an amazing day, and I’m so proud." Rodman said.

Shelton also addressed Rodman's effort to attend the final during a press conference after the match. He acknowledged the logistical difficulties she faced and said her willingness to make the journey meant a great deal to him, even though she arrived as he was losing.

"I mean, it means everything," Shelton said. "Yeah, I knew she was coming. I knew it was going to be pretty close to impossible to get here.

But even just making the effort and trying is insane. I guess she kind of showed up as I was losing, which for her probably sucked, you know, but yeah, it’s, you know, we’ve made a lot of sacrifices for each other. We’ve traveled the world to try to support each other when we can.

It means a lot."

Rodman was visibly emotional during the trophy ceremony, according to AOL. The couple made their relationship public in March 2025 and have since attended each other's sporting events when their schedules allow.

Beyond their mutual support, the athletes have been learning each other's sports. Sports Yahoo reported that Rodman recently revealed she had returned a Shelton serve traveling at more than 100 mph. She acknowledged that Shelton had told her where he intended to place the ball, but the attempt still required her to handle a high-speed delivery.

Shelton, meanwhile, returned to competition in Shanghai after his US Open final appearance in September. According to Sports Yahoo, he defeated Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 7-6(6) in the Round of 64 on Friday, October 9, the day he celebrated his 24th birthday.

The American is pursuing qualification for a second consecutive ATP Finals, an invitation-only tournament featuring the season's top eight points earners. Sports Yahoo reported that Shelton ranked fourth in the standings, while Jannik Sinner, the second-highest points earner, was out for the remainder of the season.