Ben Shelton Gets Candid on Love Life as GF Trinity Rodman Steals Spotlight at the US Open

It’s always nice to see a sporting power couple, especially when both are excelling in their respective fields and showing up for one another. This year, Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman have quickly become that “it” couple. After giving fans a glimpse of her support during Wimbledon, Rodman’s presence at the US Open was expected—and she didn’t disappoint.

Shelton, now World No. 6, admitted he thought they wouldn’t see much of each other this season but was happily proven wrong. “At the beginning of the year, we were like, ‘Yeah, we’re not really going to see each other.’ And she’s been to Munich, Madrid, Paris, Wimbledon, Mayora, DC, Cincy. Yeah, we’re doing all right,” he laughed. Fans even spotted her trademark gum-chewing habit in the stands, something she’s become known for during his tense on-court battles.

Following his straight-sets victory over Pablo Carreño Busta, Shelton faced questions about his girlfriend in the post-match presser. Rodman’s cheerleader energy is hard to miss, and despite only recently returning from a back injury on August 3, she’s been by his side at tournaments across Europe and the U.S. “Yeah, that’s the plan 100%,” Shelton said of her efforts to show up for him. “She’s been grinding to pull up to a lot of tournaments this year.”

The couple’s chemistry isn’t just about appearances; their sporting backgrounds add to their allure. Shelton is the son of Bryan Shelton, former ATP pro and respected college coach who continues to guide his son’s career. Rodman, meanwhile, is the estranged daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman. Trinity has carved her own path away from the shadows of family, becoming a star forward for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL.

Perhaps the most charming moment came when Rodman playfully turned reporter during Shelton’s press conference. She posed as a reporter at the behest of the press management of the US Open and gatecrashed his interview. She asked while chewing gum, a habit that has become her signature, “How did it feel not being able to serve faster than 135 (mph) today?”

Shelton laughed, hiding his face in his hands, before joking, “Why did you give her a question?” But then, true to form, he answered seriously: “Maybe I should have just served bigger. It’s something that I’ll definitely work on next time.” Together, Shelton and Rodman continue to shine, both in love and in their careers.

Putting Ben Shelton back in the spotlight

Riding high after his ATP Masters 1000 triumph in Toronto, Ben Shelton entered the US Open as the 6th seed. He opened his campaign with a convincing straight-sets victory over Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Interestingly, Shelton and Buse nearly crossed paths at the collegiate level – when Shelton was competing for the University of Florida, Buse visited the program as a sought-after prospect. While their careers have taken different trajectories, it’s a reminder of how paths can intersect before diverging in unexpected ways.

Shelton, known for his booming serve, dominated the match from the baseline and maintained control throughout. His momentum has been fueled by deep runs at all three Grand Slams this season, and the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd has embraced him as one of their own. In the second round, he backed up his strong start with another straight-sets win, defeating veteran Spaniard Pablo Carreño Busta 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

Next up for Shelton is Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, who reached the third round after overcoming Australia’s Jordan Thompson. Shelton and Mannarino have faced each other three times before, with the Frenchman leading their head-to-head 2–1. Their most recent meeting, however, saw Shelton sweep past him in Toronto in straight sets. A victory here would even their career record.

Mannarino, meanwhile, has never progressed beyond the third round at the US Open, a statistic that works in Shelton’s favor. Still, both players will bring the intensity that this stage of the tournament demands.

For Shelton, the stakes are even higher—he carries not only his own ambitions but also the hopes of American tennis, alongside fellow top-eight seed Taylor Fritz. And beyond the numbers and matchups, Shelton has one more source of strength: love. With Trinity Rodman cheering him on, it’s clear that he has more than just the crowd in his corner.