“We're not in our primes”: Ben Shelton explains why his relationship with Trinity Rodman is entering 'crunch time'

Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 23:00

Ben Shelton has admitted that maintaining his relationship with Trinity Rodman has become increasingly difficult as both continue to pursue careers at the highest level of their respective sports. The American tennis star reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open before losing to Alexander Zverev, while Rodman was balancing her own NWSL commitments with supporting Shelton during his run in New York.

The couple went public with their relationship in March 2025, but their demanding schedules have made spending time together increasingly complicated. Shelton, who reached a career-high No. 4 in the ATP rankings, acknowledged that even the few days they have away from competition are often consumed by exhaustion rather than quality time together.

“It is really difficult,” Shelton said. “I think what a lot of people don’t see is when we actually do have time or a couple of days off, we’re so exhausted that it’s tough to do anything. It is tough to make time.” The 24-year-old's comments came after a summer that culminated in his deepest Grand Slam run, while Rodman continued to compete in the NWSL.

Their contrasting schedules became particularly apparent during Shelton's US Open campaign. Rodman had played an NWSL match on the same day as the men's final, before making the trip to New York to support Shelton. She ultimately travelled back and forth several times during the tournament, something Shelton singled out when discussing the effort she made to be there.

“This is kind of crunch time”

Shelton's US Open run had already been the biggest breakthrough of his career at a Grand Slam. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals before overcoming Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals to reach his first major final. Zverev eventually ended his run in the championship match, but Rodman's presence throughout the fortnight became part of the story around Shelton's breakthrough.

During his trophy ceremony, Zverev even acknowledged Rodman's efforts and joked about the role she had played in Shelton's run. “Trinity, I thought you had a match today? Well played to you too. You're the lucky charm. Not today, but usually,” the German said after defeating Shelton.

Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton smiling

Alexander Zverev of Germany and Ben Shelton of the United States pose for photos during the awarding ceremony after their men's singles final match at the 2026 US Open

For Shelton, however, the bigger challenge extends beyond one tournament. Both he and Rodman are still building their careers, meaning their schedules are unlikely to become easier in the immediate future. Rodman, 24, is one of the leading forwards in the NWSL with the Washington Spirit, while Shelton is competing regularly on the ATP Tour after establishing himself inside the world's top 10.

“But we make a lot of sacrifices for our sport,” Shelton stated in an interview with US Magazine. “I’d say both of us are chasing things for our sport. We’re not where we want to be yet, we’re not in our primes. So this is kind of crunch time.”

The American also acknowledged that the demands of professional tennis can leave him drained when he finally leaves a tournament. Constant travel, hotel rooms and limited time at home make the normal routines of a relationship difficult to maintain. “Sometimes I leave these tournaments and I’m a bit of a zombie. I’m not the most fun person to be around. But we make a lot of sacrifices for our sport.”

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“The hardest, most grueling time in our relationship”

Shelton's description of their situation is particularly notable because neither athlete is approaching the later stages of their career. Shelton has already established himself among the leading players on the ATP Tour, reaching No. 5 in the rankings, while Rodman has become a key attacking player for Washington Spirit and previously held the distinction of being the NWSL's highest-paid player.

That shared understanding of elite sport has also become one of the advantages of their relationship. Shelton said having someone who understands the demands of professional competition gives him an important source of support, even when their schedules make being together difficult.

“This is going to be the hardest, most grueling time in our relationship, from my perspective. None of it is easy. But being able to have someone to lean on who’s such an elite athlete and doing things at a really high level as well, it helps in so many ways.”

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Rodman's commitment during the US Open offered a clear example. Despite having her own match commitments, Shelton said she repeatedly travelled between competitions to watch him. The American estimated that she flew back and forth six or seven times during the tournament, while admitting that he was probably understating the number.

“She grinded a ridiculous amount to show up for me. She must have flown back and forth six or seven times during the tournament," he added. "Probably more, I’m probably under-shooting it. But it was so cool to share so many of those memories together with my whole family, also with her.”

Shelton's latest appearance came in Davis Cup, where he lost both of his singles matches against Czech opponents Jiri Lehecka and Jakub Mensik. After the highs of his first Grand Slam final and the demands that followed, his comments underline a different challenge away from the court: finding time for a relationship while two young athletes continue chasing their biggest goals.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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