Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman might look like sports royalty from the outside, but even power couples have to grind. The American tennis sensation didn't sugarcoat things when asked about his relationship with the soccer star, admitting they're in the thick of their toughest stretch together.
Fresh off a career-defining run at the US Open, where he stunned Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe before falling to Alexander Zverev in the final, Shelton is riding high on the court. But off it, the logistics of two elite athletes in love are taking a toll. Rodman, who plays for the Washington Spirit, somehow managed to attend every single one of Shelton's matches in New York — even after playing a game just hours before his final. That kind of dedication speaks volumes, but it also highlights the exhausting reality they face.
"It is really difficult," Shelton told US Weekly. "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."
Shelton described himself as a "zombie" after tournaments, admitting he's not exactly a ball of sunshine when he's running on empty. But he also recognized the unique support system they provide each other. "We make a lot of sacrifices for our sport," he said. "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. This is going to be the hardest, most grueling time in our relationship, from my perspective."
It's a candid admission from a rising star who's used to being in control on the court. But as Shelton eyes a busy fall schedule — the Kinoshita Group Japan Open, followed by the Rolex Shanghai Masters and Rolex Paris Masters — Rodman will be grinding it out stateside with the Washington Spirit, facing Houston Dash, Gotham FC, KC Current, and Chicago Stars. That means a long-distance setup for the foreseeable future, with time zones and training schedules conspiring against date nights.
Still, Shelton wouldn't trade it. "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," he said. It's that shared understanding — the early mornings, the pressure, the relentless pursuit of greatness — that keeps them grounded. And while the road ahead is grueling, they're both chasing something bigger than a few tough months.
For Shelton, the US Open final wasn't just a breakthrough; it was a ratings bonanza, as the Shelton-Zverev final set ESPN records. And Rodman's star power is only rising, too, with her bold swimsuit snaps getting fans talking. Together, they're navigating the chaos of being young, talented, and in demand — one exhausting day at a time.
The next month will test them. But if there's one thing these two know, it's how to compete. And right now, their relationship is the ultimate doubles match.
