Trinity Rodman, World Cup champion and girlfriend of American tennis star Ben Shelton, might have to choose between soccer and tennis this Sunday. If Shelton advances to the US Open final, Rodman will be on the pitch for the Washington Spirit, not in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Shelton earned the biggest victory of his career Tuesday night, outlasting Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set epic, 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7). The lefty's booming serve sealed the upset on match point, dethroning the defending champion and sending the New York crowd into a frenzy.
“It’s incredible,” Shelton said. “I always say that this is the greatest sports city in the world, I say that this is the greatest stadium in the world. I’m just hoping that my best friend and my sister over there don’t have to be at work at 6 a.m. in three hours.”
Shelton's reward is a semifinal showdown with fellow American Frances Tiafoe, who mounted a stunning comeback from two sets down to beat Alex Michelsen in Tuesday's other quarterfinal. The two have met twice before at the US Open, with Shelton winning in 2023 and Tiafoe avenging that loss in a five-set thriller in 2024. This matchup promises another classic under the lights.
While Shelton has relished having Rodman in his corner throughout the tournament—she even sported a playful “I Love My Boyfriend” shirt that went viral—her presence may be missing when it matters most. The Washington Spirit have a scheduled NWSL match against the Boston Legacy on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, and the US Open men's final is slated for 2 p.m. ET. Unless the tennis schedule shifts, the two events will overlap.
Rodman, the face of the Spirit and one of the league's brightest stars, has been a constant source of support for Shelton, but her professional obligations could force her to watch from afar. The scheduling conflict has sparked fan discussions about the US Open's jam-packed schedule, which has already drawn criticism this year.
Shelton, however, isn't taking a spot in the final for granted. Tiafoe has proven he thrives on the big stage, and his comeback victory was one of the most emotional moments of the tournament. If Shelton does advance, he'll have to do it without his biggest cheerleader courtside—a thought that might add extra motivation for the young star.
For Rodman, the decision may be tough, but her commitment to her team is clear. She's previously opened up about her family struggles and her rise in soccer, and her dedication to the Spirit has never wavered. Whether she'll catch Shelton's match on a phone between halves or rush from one venue to another remains to be seen.
As the tennis world buzzes about a potential all-American final, the real drama might be off the court. Can Shelton punch his ticket, and will Rodman be there to see it? The clock is ticking.
