'They'll Let Anyone In, Huh?': Ben Shelton's Playful Post-Match Presser With Trinity Rodman At US Open

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 15:52 IST

Ben Shelton beat Pablo Carreño Busta at the US Open, faced a playful press conference question from girlfriend Trinity Rodman, and now eyes a clash with Adrian Mannarino.

Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman at the US Open (X)

Ben Shelton booked his place in the third round of the US Open on Wednesday with an emphatic straight-sets victory over Spanish veteran Pablo Carreño Busta, but the real challenge came afterward — from his own girlfriend.

The 22-year-old American, seeded No. 14 in the tournament, dismantled Carreño 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 on a brisk evening in New York.

His booming left-handed serve, usually a major weapon, proved effective enough, but it was his off-court exchange with Trinity Rodman, the U.S. women’s national soccer team forward and his partner, that stole headlines.

Rodman, who had been in the stands supporting Shelton throughout the match, surprised her boyfriend by sneaking into the post-match press conference.

Taking the microphone under the guise of a journalist, she delivered a cheeky question that left the world No. 15 blushing.

“How did it feel not being able to serve faster than 135 today?" Rodman asked with a grin, referring to Shelton’s serve speed, which has regularly topped 145 mph in past tournaments.

Shelton, visibly caught off guard, gave a sheepish smile before turning to the media official in disbelief.

“Why did you give her a question?" he asked, drawing laughter from the room.

The moderator quickly quipped back: “Orders from the boss over there."

Eventually, Shelton gave a composed answer, mixing humor with analysis.

“Yeah, it was cold outside. So, I think that was the main reason," he said. “I was focused on hitting spots, and I didn’t hit those spots. Maybe I should just serve bigger, but that’s definitely something I’ll work on for next time."

Still not letting the moment pass, Shelton added with a grin:

“Gosh, they’ll let anyone in the room at this point, huh?"

The lighthearted exchange drew laughter across the room, showing the couple’s playful chemistry while also offering a rare glimpse of levity in the often-intense world of Grand Slam tennis.

Chasing Fritz For Top U.S. Ranking

On court, Shelton continues to rise quickly. His victory over Carreño not only booked him a third-round clash with French veteran Adrian Mannarino, but also moved him within 95 ATP ranking points of Taylor Fritz, the current U.S. No. 1 and world No. 4.

If Shelton strings together another deep run in New York, he could surpass Fritz and claim the mantle of America’s top men’s player before the tournament concludes.

Looking further ahead, Shelton sits in the same quarter of the draw as Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open champion and current world No. 2. Should both players advance through their next two rounds, they would meet in a blockbuster quarterfinal — a rematch of their fiery 2023 US Open semifinal that cemented Shelton as one of the sport’s rising stars.

For now, though, Shelton must first handle the tricky left-handed Mannarino. And, perhaps, brace himself for more unorthodox questions from Rodman in the press room.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 28, 2025, 15:52 IST

News sports 'They'll Let Anyone In, Huh?': Ben Shelton's Playful Post-Match Presser With Trinity Rodman At US Open

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