Ben Shelton announces relationship with huge US sports star days after Jack Draper loss amid heating Friendship with Coco Gauff

Ben Shelton Moves on from Indian Wells Defeat with Relationship Announcement

American tennis star Ben Shelton isn’t letting his Indian Wells quarter-final loss to Jack Draper get him down. The world No.14 had looked like a strong contender for the BNP Paribas Open title, but his hopes were dashed in a 6-4, 7-5 defeat to his British opponent—who went on to win the tournament.

Despite the setback, Shelton’s future remains bright. The 22-year-old has already reached two Grand Slam semi-finals, including at this year’s Australian Open. And while his on-court journey continues, he’s also making strides off the court.

Shelton Goes Public with Relationship

Taking to Instagram, Shelton revealed he is in a relationship with Trinity Rodman, a United States women’s international footballer. He posted a picture of Rodman hugging and kissing him, alongside a cryptic caption:

“I’ve been focused, but I’m steady climbin’; I’m nowhere near my peak.”

Rodman, also 22, is a star in her own right. She has already won 46 caps for the U.S. Women’s National Team and played a key role in securing gold at the Paris Olympics last summer. A standout for Washington Spirit in the NWSL, she has already made 100 appearances for the club.

Tennis Stars React to the Announcement

Shelton’s post quickly drew reactions from fellow tennis stars.

• Sloane Stephens excitedly commented: “HARDD LAUNCH!!!!!”—a term used in the U.S. when a couple makes their relationship public.
• Coco Gauff echoed the same phrase.
• Frances Tiafoe joked that he already knew, writing: “We (Insta)gram now?” with glancing eye emojis.

Shelton also shared four more photos in his post, further confirming the relationship.

Trinity Rodman’s Rise to Stardom

Rodman, the daughter of basketball legend Dennis Rodman, made a name for herself early on. She was named U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2021 and made her senior international debut the following year.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she was instrumental in Team USA’s gold medal win, scoring three goals, including a crucial strike in the quarter-finals against Japan.

With both Shelton and Rodman excelling in their respective sports, they are quickly becoming one of the most exciting young power couples in American sports.