Some moments catch even the most composed athletes off guard, and Ben Shelton found himself right in the middle of one on the biggest stage. One minute, the American tennis star was enjoying his post-match press conference at the US Open after an emphatic win.
Next, his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, walked in and stunned everyone — especially Shelton. What followed was a mix of confusion, laughter, and a question only she could get away with. How did Shelton handle being put on the spot by someone who knows him best?
What Did Trinity Rodman Ask Ben Shelton in His US Open Presser?
American soccer standout Trinity Rodman has become a familiar face at Ben Shelton’s biggest matches, especially since they went public as a couple in March. She supports him at the Grand Slams and even made an overnight trip from California to Flushing Meadows just to be in his corner for the US Open.
Shelton, carrying the hopes of the New York crowd, kept his run alive at the Major by powering through to the third round with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Pablo Carreño Busta. Just as things seemed to be winding down, he stepped into his press conference and was blindsided — Rodman showed up and turned reporter, asking a question with a grin.
“So how did it feel not being able to serve faster than 135 today?” she asked.
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Looking a bit embarrassed, Shelton hid his face with his hand and then turned to the organizers to ask why Rodman had been allowed in, only to find out it was a decision from higher up. She kept teasing him about his serve, which just wasn’t as quick as usual that day.
“I just know you like to serve big, and it wasn’t breaking 140 today,” she said.
Shelton explained that the chilly weather made it tough to get his serves firing on all cylinders. He admitted that hitting his spots wasn’t easy and that he may need to go for more power next time.
“Yeah, it was cold outside, so I think that was the main reason. I was focused on hitting spots, and I didn’t hit those spots. So maybe I should just serve bigger. But, something that, you know, I’ll definitely work on next time.”
Their lighthearted back-and-forth stole the moment, but it also showed how much they value just being at each other’s games, sharing every big stage together.
What Is It Like for Shelton to Witness Rodman in Action on the Field?
Attention is never far away from Shelton and Rodman’s relationship, especially with Shelton opening up about how special it is to share their world-class athletic careers. He said it’s exciting for both of them to be there for each other and to understand firsthand the work it takes to stay at the peak in their sports.
“I think it’s really cool for both of us to be able to see each other in our respective sports and, you know, witness what it takes and how difficult it is to stay at the top,” Shelton said in an interview with Vogue.
Trinity Rodman Cheering on Ben Shelton pic.twitter.com/PKd1rtfeKX
— Ken McKinnon (@mckinnon88877) August 28, 2025
Just weeks ago, Rodman made her mark again, finding the net in stoppage time in the 72nd minute and helping her team clinch a 2-1 win over the Portland Thorns.
Plus, dating Rodman has let Shelton learn more about the U.S. women’s soccer team and everything that goes into life as a pro soccer player.
“The soccer life, the US women’s national team, it was all kind of new to me, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get to know it, and to know more about her life in it,” he added.
Rodman, who had supported Shelton during his deep Wimbledon quarterfinal run, is just as excited to watch him keep chasing success in New York. Next up, he’ll face a big challenge against unseeded Adrian Mannarino, who has the edge in their past meetings.
