Ben Shelton didn’t waste any time shifting gears from the tennis court to the soccer stands. Fresh off his debut appearance at the 2025 ATP Finals, the 23-year-old was spotted cheering on his girlfriend, Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman, during her team’s semifinal win at the 2025 NWSL Championships.
With the Spirit punching their ticket to yet another league final, Shelton’s courtside-to-pitchside support added an extra spark to the night.
Ben Shelton’s Challenging Turin Campaign Before Turning His Focus to Trinity Rodman
Shelton entered the year-end tennis event in Turin as part of the Björn Borg Group. He dropped all three of his round-robin matches, falling to Alexander Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and defending champion Jannik Sinner, who sealed their meeting 6-3, 7-6 (3). Despite the difficult run, Shelton’s quick shift from competition to courtside support drew attention.
Immediately after concluding his campaign in Turin, Shelton landed in Washington to support his girlfriend. In a picture shared by the official NWSL account on Instagram, Shelton could be seen posing alongside compatriot and fellow pro Frances Tiafoe and retired U.S. gymnast Dominque Dawes, all of whom were there to witness a pivotal match for the Spirit.
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In another clip circulating on social media, Rodman arrived at the venue alongside Shelton, taking time to greet fans, sign autographs, and snap photos before taking the field.
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What Does the Spirit’s Semifinal Win Mean for Rodman’s Future With the Club?
On the pitch, Washington delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Portland Thorns FC 2-0 in front of a sell-out crowd at Audi Field on Nov. 15. The victory secured the club’s second straight finals appearance and fourth overall, with the championship match set for Nov. 22 at PayPal Park in San Jose against the winner of Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC.
The semifinal spotlight also reignited ongoing conversations about Rodman’s future. The forward signed a four-year extension with the Spirit after her standout rookie season, reportedly worth about $1.1 million, and the club exercised its 2025 option as confirmed through team and league disclosures.
Rodman has previously acknowledged that she has long considered playing overseas at some point, a comment that has fueled speculation amid interest from European clubs, especially in England’s Women’s Super League. Meanwhile, Spirit owner Michele Kang reaffirmed her commitment earlier in March 2025, saying the organization would do everything possible to keep the franchise star at home.
Shelton and Rodman began their romance in early 2025, eventually confirming it through social media posts. Despite their hectic professional demands, the pair regularly shares playful moments from their relationship with fans. Rodman manages her responsibilities with the Washington Spirit in the NWSL, while Shelton spends most of his year on the road competing on the ATP Tour.
