“My Girlfriend Took the Red-Eye…”: Ben Shelton Addresses Trinity Rodman’s Sacrifice To Watch Him at US Open
Ben Shelton may have been the one putting on a show at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but it was his girlfriend, US soccer star Trinity Rodman, who stole hearts with her sacrifice to be there.
The 22-year-old American tennis player opened his 2025 US Open campaign with a straight-sets win, then made sure to credit Rodman, who traveled across the country overnight just to support him.
Ben Shelton Gives Shoutout to Trinity Rodman’s Gesture
On Sunday in New York, the sixth-seeded Shelton cruised past Peru’s Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in just over two hours. It was a strong start for the young star, who reached the semifinals in Flushing Meadows back in 2023 and is chasing his first Grand Slam title.
But after the victory, the talk was less about his serve and more about his support system.
“My girlfriend took the red-eye from California last night to be here,” Shelton shared while speaking to the crowd.
Rodman, 23, landed in New York at 5 a.m. after playing a National Women’s Soccer League match for the Washington Spirit in San Jose just two days earlier. Cameras immediately panned to her in the stands as the stadium erupted in cheers.
When a reporter later joked, “She must like you, Ben,” Shelton grinned and answered with three words: “I hope so.”
Shelton and Rodman confirmed their relationship earlier this year after sparking rumors in March. Both juggle grueling schedules that involve constant travel across continents, yet they continue to find ways to show up for one another.
Rodman, the youngest player ever drafted into the NWSL and a member of the US Women’s National Team, has already been spotted cheering for Shelton at tournaments in Europe, including Wimbledon.
For his part, Shelton publicly celebrated Rodman’s return from a back injury earlier this month, praising her game-winning goal against the Portland Thorns.
“It has its challenges, but it’s definitely worth it,” Shelton previously told Town&Country about managing a long-distance relationship as athletes.
Her overnight flight to New York marked the latest example of their commitment, one Shelton made sure to highlight on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
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