Trinity Rodman experienced an emotional whirlwind after racing from her Washington Spirit match to the U.S. Open men’s final in New York to support boyfriend Ben Shelton.
Shelton’s breakthrough Grand Slam run ended Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where top-seeded Alexander Zverev claimed a 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 victory. The pressure of the moment was evident as the young American addressed the crowd following the biggest match of his career.
Wearing a shirt featuring Shelton, Rodman was seen wiping away tears while seated beside his mother during his trophy-ceremony speech.
Rodman missed most of the four-set U.S. Open final because she had a 1 p.m. match with the Washington Spirit against Boston Legacy in Washington, D.C.
The men’s championship match began an hour later, at 2 p.m.
The Spirit had confirmed earlier in the week that Rodman would be available for the game, ending speculation that she might sit out to attend Shelton’s career-defining tennis match. After the Spirit’s 3-0 defeat, she hurried to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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Zverev also acknowledged Rodman in his post-match victory speech after securing the second Grand Slam title of his career.
“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.