Ben Shelton fires back over girlfriend Trinity Rodman after signing multi-million contract | Tennis | Sport
Ben Shelton picked up his fourth career title at the ATP 500 event in Dallas over the weekend as his girlfriend, USWNT star Trinity Rodman, watched on from his box. After Rodman turned up to support him in the stands, the newly-crowned champion returned the favour, firing back at one of her critics on social media.
In a hilarious moment after the match, Shelton raced to his team and embraced them individually after beating Taylor Fritz 3-6 6-3 7-5. The American was understandably sweaty following the one-hour and 51-minute clash – something Rodman quickly realised as she hugged her boyfriend after the match.
“Eww,” she jokingly exclaimed after embracing Shelton, wiping the sweat he’d left behind on her shoulder. “I’ll bring some towels,” the new Dallas Open champion replied. A video of their endearing exchange has gone viral, but one user wasn’t a fan of Rodman’s playful reaction.
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“I bet she won’t say ‘Ewww’ to the money and status that comes along with that sweat,” they commented on a video of the funny encounter. Shelton took notice and hit back with a fitting reply.
“Highest paid female soccer player in the world btw,” the world No. 9 replied, adding a laughing emoji. It comes as Rodman reportedly signed a record three-year contract with the Washington Spirit.
The 23-year-old signed with the Sprit in 2021 after leaving college, but was a free agent after her last deal expired at the end of 2025. The league’s salary cap rules left Rodman’s future at the club in doubt.
But according to ESPN, her new arrangement is worth £1.47m ($2m) a year, including bonuses, making her the highest-paid player in league history, and the world’s highest-paid female player.
After celebrating Rodman’s historic new contract, Shelton now has something of his own to celebrate after picking up the title in Dallas. It took a huge effort from the No. 2 seed, who saved three championship points against Fritz in the final.
“I feel grateful to play five matches out here with these crowds. The energy was amazing. I had to fight until the last minute. Fritz was playing very good tennis and I was struggling a lot with what he was throwing at me. I tried to be a competitor through and through, and I ended up coming out on top. I think it’s a testament to the work me and my team put in,” the world No. 9 said.
