Ben Shelton Reveals What Girlfriend Trinity Rodman Taught Him About Perseverance: “I Saw Her Sit Out With a Serious Injury”

Last month, Ben Shelton delivered his career-best Grand Slam performance at his home event, the US Open. After overcoming defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in five sets in the quarterfinals, he eliminated compatriot Frances Tiafoe to reach his career’s first Grand Slam final, only to suffer a four-set defeat at the hands of Alexander Zverev.

Days after his defeat, he gave an interview to Pop Sugar, during which he talked about his relationship with girlfriend Trinity Rodman, who plays for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The power couple has never shied away from showering each other with glowing praise, also doing everything possible to show up to each other’s matches. But Shelton also thanked Rodman for teaching him about perseverance.

I saw her sit out almost all of last year with a serious injury. There’s a lot worse things that you could deal with in sport than taking a loss. I’m happy to just be out here, healthy, competing, doing what I love. I think that whenever we can, we show up for each other… Any time that I’m on the same continent and can make it to a game, I’m going to be there. And she’s the same.

In another interview, however, Shelton admitted that he finds it difficult to find time for Rodman as he gets exhausted after competing in tournaments.

With my personality that I have on court, people think that I’m kind of a high-energy, exciting person to be around all the time. But when I’m not playing, training, or when I’m off the court, I like to stay at home. I don’t like to come off my couch. I like watching movies. I am not outside.

Ben Shelton told Pop Sugar

Rodman was last seen in action during Washington Spirit’s 3-2 win over Houston Dash. Shelton, meanwhile, competed at the Davis Cup after the US Open.

He will next be participating in the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season, the Shanghai Masters, which starts on October 7. The World No.4 has also paired up with Alexander Bublik for doubles, and they are set to lock horns with Ivan Liutarevich and Daniil Medvedev.

Ben Shelton on his ATP Finals qualification

Following his US Open run, Ben Shelton‘s ATP Finals qualification has strengthened, as he now stands third in the ATP Live Race to Turin. Shelton made his debut in the year-end championships last year but failed to qualify for the semifinals. He, in fact, lost his three round-robin matches.

I think it is a massive motivation. I want to be there playing in the Final eight. I want end-of-year Top-5 finish for the first time. I think there are a lot of things to look forward to at the end of this year, and I am just excited about the position I am in to be able to compete for something big at the end of the year. I think I am in a good position, but I feel there is still a lot of work to do.

Ben Shelton told ATP Media

Shelton will lock horns with Holger Rune or Daniel Altmaier in his opening round. At this tournament in 2023, the American ace reached his first career Masters 1000 quarterfinals.

The 23-year-old will chase his fourth title of the season in Shanghai after wins at the BMW Open, Stuttgart Open, and the Canadian Open. Shelton is a two-time Masters 1000 champion, winning both titles at the Canadian Open in 2025 and 2026.

Also read: Novak Djokovic Reveals His ‘Biggest Motivation’ After Ousting Alexander Zverev in Beijing: “I Can Still Beat the Best Players”