As Ben Shelton continues his run at the 2026 U.S. Open, the spotlight is shining on the tennis star’s personal life — particularly his relationship with soccer star Trinity Rodman . The couple, who went public in March 2025, have become one of sports’ most talked-about power duos.
Ben Shelton is dating soccer star Trinity Rodman, an Olympic gold medalist and forward for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL . The couple went public with their relationship in March 2025 after connecting on Instagram, where Rodman sent the first message . Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, won a gold medal with the USWNT at the 2024 Paris Olympics .
How Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman Met
The couple’s origin story is a modern romance. They first connected through Instagram, with Rodman making the first move .
“I met my girlfriend on Instagram, she sent the first DM,” Shelton said, per People .
Rodman revealed the details of her approach on Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, admitting she was nervous about sliding into his DMs .
“Everything I do is just embarrassing. I’m really embarrassed. I said ‘You’re sick, fire emoji,’ that’s it… It worked, he responded within 10 minutes, so I win.”
Trinity Rodman’s Accomplishments
Trinity Rodman, 24, is a star in her own right. She made her USWNT debut in 2022 and has since become a key player for the team . She won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Games, scoring three goals and one assist during the team’s gold medal run .
At the club level:
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Plays for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL
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Was named NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2021
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Has been a vocal advocate for increasing salaries in the league
Rodman is also the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, though she has publicly stated she has a strained relationship with her father and prefers not to be defined by his legacy .
Rodman Supported Shelton at the US Open
Rodman was in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium to support Shelton during his first-round match against Tallon Griekspoor on August 31, 2026 . ESPN’s broadcast introduced her as “Ben Shelton’s girlfriend” and a “member of the US Women’s National Team” .
The introduction sparked backlash from fans who felt Rodman’s own accomplishments as an Olympic gold medalist and NWSL player deserved more recognition . ESPN’s chyron read “Ben’s girlfriend & USWNT player” as Rodman was shown smiling and joking with her seatmate .
Ben Shelton’s Family Background
His Father: Bryan Shelton
Ben Shelton comes from a tennis family. His father, Bryan Shelton, is a former professional tennis player who spent nine seasons on the ATP Tour, winning two singles titles and two doubles titles . He reached a career-high ranking of No. 55 in the world and was a quarterfinalist at Wimbledon in 1994 .
Bryan transitioned to coaching, leading the University of Florida’s men’s tennis team. He coached Ben during his two seasons as a Florida Gator, where Ben won the national team title in 2021 and the individual NCAA title in 2022 . In June 2023, Bryan stepped down from collegiate coaching to coach his son full-time on the ATP Tour .
His Mother: Lisa Shelton
Ben’s mother, Lisa, was also an accomplished junior tennis player . She is the sister of late tennis player Todd Witsken, who died of brain cancer at age 34 . Lisa now works as a realtor in Gainesville, Florida .
His Sister: Emma Shelton
Ben has one sibling, an older sister named Emma, who played college tennis at the University of Florida and graduated in May 2023 with a degree in business administration and finance. She now works at Morgan Stanley .
At Wimbledon in July 2025, Ben publicly asked Morgan Stanley to give Emma extra time off to stay and watch him play, calling her his “lucky charm” .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben Shelton dating Trinity Rodman?
Yes, Ben Shelton has been publicly dating Trinity Rodman since March 2025 .
How did Ben Shelton meet Trinity Rodman?
They met on Instagram, with Rodman sending the first direct message. She messaged him “You’re sick, fire emoji,” and he responded within 10 minutes .
Who is Trinity Rodman?
Trinity Rodman is an Olympic gold medalist and forward for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL. She has been on the USWNT since 2022 and helped Team USA win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics .
Who is Ben Shelton’s father?
Ben Shelton’s father, Bryan Shelton, is a former professional tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of No. 55 in the world. He is also Ben’s coach .
Did Ben Shelton play college tennis?
Yes, Ben Shelton played tennis at the University of Florida, where he was coached by his father. He won the national team title in 2021 and the individual NCAA title in 2022 .
Conclusion
Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman are one of sports’ most intriguing couples. Both are at the top of their respective games — Shelton as the highest-ranked American man on the ATP Tour, and Rodman as an Olympic gold medalist and NWSL star. Their relationship, which began with a simple Instagram DM, has become a story of two elite athletes supporting each other through the demands of professional sports. As Shelton continues his US Open campaign, Rodman will be cheering him on from the stands.