Ben Shelton recently delivered a witty response to a critic who took aim at his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, after her reaction to his sweat-soaked hug went viral following his Dallas Open triumph. Notably, Shelton edged past compatriot Taylor Fritz to secure his first title of the season.
Ben Shelton Shuts Down Backlash Over Girlfriend Trinity Rodman’s Hug Reaction After Dallas Open Triumph
Shelton and Rodman went public with their relationship in March 2025 and have since frequently shown glimpses of their time online.
Moreover, Rodman has been a steadfast pillar of support for the young tennis player, frequently accompanying him to his matches.
The United States women’s national team and Washington Spirit forward also made the trip to Dallas to support Ben Shelton in the final of the ATP 500 event, where he squared off against a formidable compatriot in Fritz.
Shelton mounted a stirring comeback to defeat Fritz 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, clinching his second ATP 500 crown. The 23-year-old saved three championship points in a tense 10th game of the final set before sealing the contest after one hour and 51 minutes. With the victory, Shelton moved ahead 2-1 in his head-to-head record against his compatriot.
However, beyond Ben Shelton’s performance, it was a light-hearted post-match moment that quickly captured attention across social media. The world No. 9, still drenched in sweat after the grueling final, rushed over to embrace his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, only to leave her hilariously startled as she realized just how soaked he was.
“EWWW,” She screamed.
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One fan, however, took aim at Rodman’s reaction with a somewhat personal remark. They wrote, “I bet she won’t say ‘Ewww’ to the money and the status that comes along with that sweat.”
However, the fan’s remark was swiftly met with a witty comment from the American tennis star, who wrote, “highest paid female soccer player in the world btw.” 
It is worth noting that Rodman became the world’s highest-paid female athlete after signing a new three-year contract with the Washington Spirit last month. The 23-year-old became a free agent following the expiration of her previous deal on Dec. 31. Her renewed contract, reportedly valued at $2 million, secures her future with the Spirit through 2028 and underscores her growing stature in the women’s game.
Meanwhile, Shelton carries valuable momentum into the remainder of the season following his Dallas Open triumph and will aim to build on that breakthrough. Now, the focus shifts to how Shelton builds on this for the rest of the season.
