In the vibrant atmosphere of Washington, D.C., where the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open unfolded, American tennis star Ben Shelton found himself sharing the spotlight with his girlfriend, soccer sensation Trinity Rodman. As Shelton competed on the hard courts of the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, he couldn’t help but beam with pride over Rodman’s local fame, jokingly noting that her celebrity status in the nation’s capital outshines his own. “She’s definitely more famous than me around here. She needs more security walking around the ground. That’s for sure,” Shelton told reporters, his grin reflecting both admiration and amusement at his partner’s star power.
The Citi DC Open, a prestigious ATP and WTA 500 event held from July 19 to July 27, 2025, marked Shelton’s third appearance at the tournament. The 22-year-old, ranked No. 8 in the world, kicked off his singles campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory over fellow American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round, followed by a dominant 6-3, 6-2 win against Gabriel Diallo, propelling him into the quarterfinals. Yet, beyond his on-court triumphs, it was Rodman’s presence in the stands that sparked buzz among fans and media alike. A forward for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Rodman has become a household name in D.C. since joining the team in 2021 as the youngest player ever drafted in NWSL history. Her 23 goals in 83 appearances and a championship win that same year have cemented her as a local icon.
Shelton, a Florida native with no direct ties to Washington, humorously embraced his adopted “local” status thanks to Rodman’s deep connection to the city. The couple, who confirmed their relationship in March 2025 with a viral Instagram post, have become a celebrated athletic duo, their chemistry evident both on and off the court. Rodman, despite nursing a back injury that sidelined her from soccer, was a constant presence at the tournament, cheering Shelton on with infectious enthusiasm. She even donned a custom t-shirt featuring a collage of Shelton’s images, a gift from a fan during his Wimbledon run earlier that summer, with bold text proclaiming “SHELTON” across the front. “U amaze me everyday,” Rodman posted on Instagram Stories, sharing a photo of Shelton celebrating his third-round victory, her words capturing the pride she feels for his achievements.
The tournament also saw Shelton team up with fellow American Frances Tiafoe for a doubles campaign, a rare and exciting pairing that generated significant hype. Though their doubles run ended in a first-round loss to Australian duo Matthew Ebden and John Peers, the camaraderie between Shelton and Tiafoe, a D.C. native, added to the event’s electric atmosphere. Tiafoe playfully teased Shelton about his connection to Washington through Rodman, saying, “He thinks he’s from D.C. now, because he has a little girlfriend that plays soccer sometimes, I guess.” The lighthearted jab underscored the close friendship between the two players, who share a competitive history, with Shelton leading their head-to-head 2-1, including a memorable four-set win at the 2023 US Open.
Rodman’s fame, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Her presence drew significant attention, amplified by her status as an Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2024 Paris Games, where she scored three goals. Shelton’s comment about her needing “more security” wasn’t entirely in jest—her popularity in D.C. often requires extra measures to navigate crowds. Despite her injury, Rodman’s support for Shelton remained unwavering, a testament to their strong bond. “It’s been cool to get to know someone who goes through a lot of the same things in the spotlight,” Shelton shared, reflecting on the parallels between their high-profile athletic careers.
As Shelton prepared for his quarterfinal clash against Tiafoe, the tournament took on added significance as a homecoming of sorts, with Rodman’s presence making it feel like a shared stage. Her journey from a record-breaking NWSL rookie to a celebrated figure in Washington mirrors Shelton’s own rise from a college standout at the University of Florida to a top-10 tennis player. Their relationship, marked by mutual support and playful social media exchanges, has captured fans’ hearts, blending the worlds of tennis and soccer in a way that feels uniquely American. “It’s not just about the game,” a spectator at the Citi DC Open remarked. “Seeing Ben and Trinity together, you feel their energy—it’s like they’re both winning, no matter the score.”
With Rodman by his side, Shelton’s performance at the Citi DC Open was more than a quest for a title; it was a celebration of their shared journey, grounded in love, respect, and a touch of D.C. stardom. As he continues his hardcourt swing leading into the US Open, Shelton carries not only his own ambitions but also the pride of a partner whose fame, in Washington at least, might just eclipse his own.
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