In a heart-pounding finale at the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto, 22-year-old American tennis star Ben Shelton clinched his first ATP Masters 1000 title, defeating Karen Khachanov in a thrilling three-set battle, 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3). The victory, marked by Shelton’s explosive serves and unyielding resolve, sent ripples through the tennis world, with fellow American Coco Gauff and Shelton’s girlfriend, USWNT soccer star Trinity Rodman, leading the chorus of congratulations. Their heartfelt messages, shared across social media, underscored the personal and professional bonds fueling Shelton’s meteoric rise, as he became the youngest American man to win a Masters 1000 title since Andy Roddick in 2004.
Shelton’s path to glory in Toronto was a testament to his growing prowess. Seeded fourth, he navigated a challenging draw, dispatching qualifier Adrian Mannarino (6-2, 6-3), Brandon Nakashima (6-7(8), 6-2, 7-6(5)), Flavio Cobolli (6-4, 4-6, 7-6(1)), Alex de Minaur, and second seed Taylor Fritz in the semifinals. The final against Khachanov, the 11th seed, pushed Shelton to his limits. Down 0-40 in the second set, he saved three break points and unleashed 16 aces, including seven in the decisive third set, to seal the victory with 14 consecutive service points. “I’ve seen so many big improvements in my game this week,” Shelton said post-match, highlighting his confidence in executing without hesitation. “Beating two Top 10 guys back to back is huge for me.”
The tennis community erupted in celebration, with Coco Gauff, the world No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam champion, among the first to honor Shelton’s achievement. Sharing a fierce image of him on her Instagram Story, Gauff captioned it simply, “big time @benshelton,” a nod to their longstanding friendship. The two, whose mothers were colleagues—Gauff’s mom taught Shelton in fourth grade—have shared a tight bond, often seen together at tournaments like the 2025 Australian Open. Despite past dating rumors, which Shelton clarified as “group hangouts” often involving Chris Eubanks, their camaraderie remains a cornerstone of American tennis’s new era.
Trinity Rodman, Shelton’s girlfriend and a gold medalist with the USWNT at the 2024 Paris Olympics, poured her heart out in an emotional Instagram Story. Filming herself cheering as Shelton clinched the match point, she wrote, “I watch you every day work your ass off. I see everyone who doubts you. You are so inspirational, and I’ve never been filled with this much joy. I love you and you are HIM ❤️ onto the next babe.” Her raw excitement, captured as Khachanov’s final shot hit the net, resonated with fans, and Shelton reposted the message, calling Rodman “his world.” Their relationship, made Instagram-official in March 2025, has become a sports power couple narrative, with Rodman’s support evident throughout Shelton’s Toronto run, including a viral reaction to his jaw-dropping doubles shot alongside Arthur Fils.
Shelton’s victory speech was equally moving, as he thanked his faith, family, and Rodman for their unwavering support. “My whole extended family, especially my mom, my sister, and my girlfriend, they’ve been with me every single day, even though they haven’t been here in Canada,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. He reserved special praise for his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, whose tough-love approach has shaped his game. “A father who believes in me, who pushes me as someone who’s honest with me. He doesn’t sugarcoat things,” Shelton noted, crediting Bryan’s balance of critique and encouragement for his clutch performance.
The Toronto triumph, Shelton’s third ATP title, propelled him to a career-high No. 6 ranking and solidified his status as a US Open contender. His doubles campaign with Fils, reaching the quarterfinals, further showcased his versatility. The tennis world, from Taylor Townsend’s adoring emojis to John Millman’s “Shelton is box office” praise, rallied around him. Even the crowd’s eruption for Victoria Mboko’s simultaneous women’s title win in Montreal briefly paused his final, prompting a bemused Shelton to ask, “What’s going on?” The moment, though, only added to the electric atmosphere.
As Shelton shifts focus to the Cincinnati Open, facing either Camilo Ugo Carabelli or Kei Nishikori, his Toronto success signals a bright future. Gauff and Rodman’s messages encapsulate the pride and inspiration he ignites, both on and off the court, as American tennis celebrates a new champion poised for greatness.
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