Trinity Rodman felt all the emotions after making quick time to get to the U.S. Open men’s final.
Her boyfriend, Ben Shelton, lost to top seed Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday and the emotions were heavy for the young American as he held an enormous amount of pressure on his shoulders.
Rodman, who wore a shirt with Shelton on it, could be seen wiping away tears in the stands next to Shelton’s mom as he gave his speech during the trophy ceremony.
Rodman did not see the majority of the four set match, as she had a game for the Washington Spirit against Boston Legacy in Washington D.C. at 1 p.m.
The men’s final started at 2 p.m.
The Spirit stated she would be suited up for the game earlier last week, putting away any ideas that Rodman would skip the game for Shelton’s biggest match of his career. She rushed to the event after suffering a 3-0 loss.
Zverev even called out Rodman during his victory speech for his second career Grand Slam.
“Trinity, I thought you had a game today, no? Well done to you as well. You’re the lucky charm,” he said. “Not today, but usually.”
Throughout the tennis calendar, Rodman has balanced her NWSL responsibilities with supporting Shelton. The two have been together publicly since March 2025.
During his post-match press conference, Shelton was asked about Rodman’s late arrival and support in his career.
“It means everything. I knew she was coming,” he said. “I knew it was going to be pretty close to impossible to get here, but even just making the effort and trying is insane. She kind of showed up as I was losing, which for her probably sucked.
“We’ve made a lot of sacrifices for each other. We traveled the world to try to support each other when we can. It means a lot, same with my family and friends. So many people have showed up for me and that’s what this is all about. Being able to share these moments, share these two weeks with my best friends, my family, people I love. That’s why I’m out here doing this. That’s why I enjoy it so much and that’s who I want to get over the line for. Super grateful for all the people I have around me.”
The 23-year-old had the chance to be the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick’s 2003 U.S. Open title.
Shelton and Rodman have shared fun moments during the hard court slam, including when she did Shelton’s signature “dialed in” phone celebration after he defeated Carlos Alacaraz in a thrilling five-set quarterfinal match.
She also looked jokingly annoyed when Shelton joked about his best friend and sister getting the work day off as they were set to start their routine day in three hours. Rodman could be seen saying “What about me?”
The USWNT star even brought an action figure of Shelton doing the phone celebration as seemingly a good luck charm for the quarterfinal match.
