22-year-old is through to the US Open 2025 third round.
American title hope Ben Shelton may have reached Round-3 of the US Open in smooth fashion, but things got hilariously awkward for him right after. The 22-year-old was expecting some easy-going questions after his Round of 64 win against Pablo Carreno Busta. However, Shelton was served a curveball by none other than his own partner and ace soccer starlet Trinity Rodman.
Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman was in attendance for Shelton’s 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 rout of Carreno Busta on Wednesday. Considering the latter is a former Olympic bronze medalist, this was no mean feat. But in the aftermath of his impressive victory, it was a press conference question that possibly threw him off guard more than his opponent on the night.
Trinity Rodman asking Ben Shelton a question in his US Open press conference
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2025
Trinity: "How did it feel not being able to serve faster than 135 today?" 😂
Ben: "Why did you give her a question? Let anyone in the room at this point huh?" 😭😭😭
pic.twitter.com/mTqyzDfT2c
“Why give her a question?” Shelton asked sheepishly. It was a reflex reaction to Rodman unexpectedly appearing at his post-match press conference and asking him why his serve couldn’t surpass 135 kmph. “Orders from the boss over there,” replied the personnel. Then, the American star answered his girlfriend’s question by blaming the cold weather for his reduced speed.
“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,” Shelton said. The southpaw then began to leave the conference and quipped, “Gosh, they’ll let anyone in the room at this point, huh?”
Usually laser-focused and up to the task, the former US Open semifinalist couldn’t help but smile throughout this conversation. Slowly but surely, the Shelton-Rodman couple is turning into a certified fan favourite.
Ever since Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman revealed their relationship in March, they have been showing a lot of support for each other. One of the most recent instances came during Shelton’s first-round win at Flushing Meadows. Less than 24 hours before his encounter, Rodman’s Washington Spirit was in San Francisco for their match against the Bay FC. Yet, the 23-year-old attacker arrived to New York with minimal fuss, in time for her partner’s opener.
"My girlfriend took the red-eye from California last night to be here."
— ESPN (@espn) August 24, 2025
Ben Shelton shouts out Trinity Rodman for making his US Open match less than 24 hours after her NWSL game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NuFneJYbGL
Ben Shelton made it known to the world during his post-match speech, where he gave Rodman a heartfelt shoutout. “My girlfriend took the red-eye from California last night to be here,” he said. Can Ben Shelton go all the way at this year’s US Open?
Mandatory Credit: Andy Abeyta-Imagn Images
A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.
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