NEW YORK — American tennis star Ben Shelton has publicly opened up about his relationship with Washington Spirit forward and USWNT talent Trinity Rodman, offering a glimpse into their private world after a touching gesture between the two young athletes went viral during the US Open.
The 21-year-old Shelton, known for his powerful serve and exuberant personality, confirmed the relationship in a recent interview, speaking fondly of the 22-year-old Rodman. The couple's connection first became a topic of public speculation after Rodman was frequently spotted in Shelton's player box during his deep run at the 2023 US Open, where he reached the semifinals.
The "touching gesture" that truly captured fans' attention occurred after Shelton’s quarterfinal victory over Frances Tiafoe. In a now-iconic moment, Shelton, after celebrating his win, pointed directly to Rodman in the stands and mimed answering a phone, his signature celebration, before blowing a kiss in her direction. The moment was shared widely across social media, with fans dubbing the pair a "power couple" of American sports.
A Support System in the Stands
Shelton emphasized how Rodman’s presence has been a cornerstone of his support system on tour. "It's amazing to have someone who understands the life of a professional athlete at the highest level," Shelton shared. "She gets the pressure, the travel, the ups and downs. Having her there, especially at a big tournament like the Open, means the world."
He detailed that their bond is built on mutual respect for each other's demanding careers. Both are children of famous athletes—Ben’s father, Bryan Shelton, is a former pro and current coach, while Trinity’s father is NBA legend Dennis Rodman—giving them a unique shared perspective on fame, expectation, and the world of elite sports.
Shelton listed the key pillars of their relationship, highlighting:
- Mutual Understanding: An innate comprehension of the pressures and schedule of a pro athlete.
- Respect for Craft: A deep admiration for each other's dedication and skill.
- Supportive Presence: Making an effort to be there for major career moments whenever possible.
Beyond the Spotlight: A Normal Relationship
Despite their high-profile status, Shelton was keen to paint a picture of a surprisingly normal relationship away from the cameras. "We're just two young people enjoying each other's company," he explained. "We like to keep things low-key. Hanging out, watching movies, trying to find good food—it’s not always about the glamour of the tour or the NWSL. We value our downtime."
He also revealed that they often act as sounding boards for one another, offering advice and perspective after tough losses or celebrating big wins together. "We talk a lot about mentality—how to stay focused, how to bounce back. There's a healthy competition between us, but it's always supportive. She's one of the most driven people I know, and it pushes me to be better."
Navigating Public Scrutiny Together
With fame comes intense public interest, and the couple has not been immune to speculation and rumors. Shelton addressed this head-on, stating that they have learned to navigate the attention as a team. "We know people are curious, and that comes with the territory of what we do," he said. "But we're very focused on protecting our privacy and what we have."
He expressed gratitude for the positive reception from fans of both tennis and soccer, noting that the support has been overwhelmingly warm. "It's been cool to see tennis fans getting to know Trinity and her game, and I've learned a lot more about soccer, too. It feels like a real crossover of two great sports communities."
Looking Ahead: A Busy Future
With Shelton’s ATP Tour schedule and Rodman’s commitments to the Washington Spirit and the USWNT, coordinating time together is a constant challenge. However, Shelton views it as just another part of their journey. "It's a lot of FaceTime and planning," he joked. "But when you care about someone, you make it work. We're both pursuing our dreams, and we get to support each other along the way."
As both athletes look toward a packed 2024 that includes the Olympics in Paris, their relationship appears to be a source of strength and stability. Shelton concluded with a simple, heartfelt sentiment that sums up their connection: "She's my biggest fan, and I'm hers. It's as simple as that."