Alexander Zverev has addressed an unexpected controversy that emerged after his US Open final victory over Ben Shelton, with a light-hearted comment during the celebrations becoming the subject of speculation online.
The German defeated Shelton in the September 13 final to claim his second Grand Slam title of 2026 and extend his perfect record against the American. Zverev now leads their head-to-head 6-0, having dropped just two sets across their 15 sets played.
The pair had been expected to meet again at the Laver Cup, where Zverev was set to make his eighth appearance. However, Shelton withdrew at the last moment following an injury sustained after Davis Cup, meaning their latest meeting remains the US Open final.
Zverev's post-match comments nevertheless created a separate storyline, after he mentioned Shelton's girlfriend, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, while discussing her efforts to support the American during a hectic day.
Zverev explains Shelton-related comment
Rodman had played an NWSL match earlier on the day of the US Open final before doing everything possible to make it to New York to support Shelton.
During his post-match celebrations, Zverev acknowledged her efforts and joked about the impact she had on Shelton's run through the tournament. “Trinity, I thought you had a match today, no? Well played to you too. You're the lucky charm. Not today, but usually,” Zverev said during his championship trophy speech after defeating Shelton.
The comment was meant as a friendly reference to Shelton's partner, but some people online interpreted it differently. Suggestions that Zverev had been flirting with Rodman quickly began circulating, something the German clearly did not expect when the subject was brought up again.
Asked about the situation, Zverev immediately rejected the idea. “Trinity Rodman? No, no, definitely not.”
The German then pointed to his relationship with Shelton and his family as the reason he was comfortable making the comment in the first place.
“I love Ben, I love his father, I love his whole family, I like Trinity quite a lot,” Zverev said. “I think whoever thinks that I was flirting or anything like that are idiots.”
Zverev's reaction appeared to be one of genuine surprise that the comment had become a talking point at all. His relationship with Shelton has developed alongside one of the most one-sided rivalries on the ATP Tour, with the German now having won all six of their meetings.
Shelton has managed to take only two sets from Zverev across their 15 sets played, despite the matches coming on different surfaces. Their most recent meeting was also by far the biggest, with Zverev defeating the American in his first Grand Slam final to secure his second major title.
For Shelton, the defeat came at the end of a breakthrough tournament. He reached his first Grand Slam final after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals and Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals before running into Zverev.
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
Zverev heads back to Laver Cup history
The German now turns his attention to the Laver Cup, where he is preparing for his eighth appearance and another opportunity to add to an already remarkable record at the event.
Zverev is the tournament's most experienced player, with seven previous appearances and five Laver Cup titles. He also holds the record for singles victories at the event with seven, while his 17 singles points and 21 total points are the most accumulated by any player.
His eighth appearance would also put him on the verge of another piece of Laver Cup history, adding another milestone to a season in which he has already claimed two Grand Slam titles. After winning Roland Garros earlier in 2026, Zverev added the US Open by beating Shelton in New York, becoming a two-time Grand Slam champion in the process.
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Shelton was originally expected to be part of the Laver Cup field as well, potentially giving the pair another immediate meeting after their New York final. His late withdrawal, however, means Zverev will have to wait for another chapter in their rivalry.
For now, the German can enjoy the lighter side of their latest encounter. His US Open victory remains the main story, but a seemingly harmless comment about Shelton's support team has given the final an unexpected afterlife.
And according to Zverev, there is no hidden story behind it — just a joke that was taken considerably more seriously online than he intended.
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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