“Born cheater”: Trinity Rodman surprises with bold words for Ben Shelton in viral card game after US Open heartbreak

Ben Shelton, the 22-year-old American tennis star, was in the spotlight again, but this time off the court. Just days after retiring from his third-round match at the 2025 US Open in New York on August 29, Shelton went live on Instagram with his girlfriend, soccer player Trinity Rodman.

During the live stream, Rodman playfully called him a “natural born cheater” while the two were playing a card game. The light moment quickly spread online, showing fans their fun and easy bond.

Trinity Rodman teases Ben Shelton in Instagram live

On Friday, September 5, 2025, Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman appeared together in an Instagram Live session. The couple, who made their relationship public earlier this year, were seen sitting together and playing cards. At one point, Trinity Rodman accused her boyfriend of cheating. She laughed and said, “You’re just a natural born cheater.”

Ben Shelton tried to defend himself. He told her he forgot to explain one of the rules of the game. He said, “Oh yeah, I forgot to explain that rule.” Rodman pushed back and told him, “No, no, no, you didn’t explain it on purpose.”Ben Shelton then explained that in the game, if he puts down 5, 6, 7, and she has 8, she can play the 8 off his move. He said, “So you can play off me. That’s why I did it.” Rodman looked confused and asked, “Then why did you put that down?” Ben Shelton smiled and said, “Because I’m playing off of you.”Fans clipped the video and shared it on X, formerly Twitter.

The clip quickly gained attention, as many found the couple’s playful argument relatable and funny. Their back-and-forth also showed how comfortable the two athletes are with each other.Also Read: “It Was A Democrat Hoax”: Martina Navratilova Hits Back As Mike Johnson Links Donald Trump To Undercover FBI Role In Epstein Scandal

Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman share sweet moments after US Open exit

The playful video came just days after Ben Shelton’s tough US Open match. On August 29, 2025, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, Shelton faced Adrian Mannarino of France in the third round. The match went to four sets, with scores 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Ben Shelton could not continue after his left shoulder pain became unbearable.

It was the first time he retired from a match in his career.Ben Shelton later explained that the injury was too painful, and his father Bryan Shelton, who also coaches him, advised him to stop. Mannarino advanced, and Shelton left the court in tears.

Trinity Rodman quickly showed her support. Days later, she posted a photo of herself with Shelton, where he was kissing her forehead. She added only a heart emoji as the caption.The pair had already given hints about their relationship back in March 2025 when they joined a TikTok trend together. Ten days later, Ben Shelton confirmed it publicly by posting an elevator selfie with Trinity Rodman. Now, their playful Instagram live has once again kept them in the headlines.