Ben Shelton’s ‘Lucky Charm,’ Soccer Star Trinity Rodman, Could Miss His US Open Final Amid Scheduling Conflict
· Yahoo Sports
Ben Shelton is set to play the biggest match of his career on Sunday, September 13, squaring off against Alexander Zverev in the blockbuster title clash. In addition to the daunting challenge, Shelton may face another hurdle, as his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, could be forced to miss the match.
Why Trinity Rodman May Miss Ben Shelton’s US Open Final
Early this year, Shelton clinched the ATP 250 title at the BOSS Open in Stuttgart after defeating Taylor Fritz in the final. During his victory speech, the 23-year-old gave a heartwarming shoutout to Trinity Rodman in the stands, deeming her his “lucky charm” because her presence typically brought him success.
Visit afsport.lat for more information.
“I want to thank my girlfriend for flying here from Brazil. I won a title at I think every tournament that she’s been at this year, maybe not in Auckland, but that doesn’t count. You’re definitely the lucky charm, so I really appreciate you making the effort,” Shelton said.
Rodman has also been cheering Shelton on during his campaign at the US Open, making time to support him while continuing her National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season with the Washington Spirit.
The soccer star even stayed at Arthur Ashe Stadium past 3 a.m. to ensure she did not miss the world No. 9’s impressive win over Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, despite having to make a quick turnaround and return to practicing with the Spirit the following morning.
Rodman then returned to Flushing Meadows for Shelton’s triumph over Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, but her chances of making it to the final are in doubt. The Washington Spirit are scheduled to face Boston Legacy FC at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, the men’s US Open final is set to begin just one hour later at 2 p.m. ET in New York. With Rodman’s game likely to last two hours from kickoff to the final whistle, following over an hour of travel time to New York, it appears unlikely that she will be able to support Shelton in person during his title clash.
While Shelton will undoubtedly want Rodman by his side for the final, he will likely also understand if she is unable to attend, given that the American has spoken to ATPTour.com about the importance of being in a relationship with a fellow athlete who can understand the demands of a professional sporting career.
“It’s an important part of our relationship to be able to relate to each other through the different things we go through. Whether it’s media stuff, brand stuff, photoshoots, the pressures of competition and being professional athletes, it is very taxing,” he said.
“Some people can say that it’s difficult to maintain a relationship where you have two professional athletes. But in my opinion, to have somebody who understands what you go through is very, very important,” he added.
In addition to the pursuit of his maiden Grand Slam title, Ben Shelton faces the added pressure of chasing history in the US Open final. He will become the first American man to win a Major singles title since 2003 if he triumphs over Alexander Zverev in the highly anticipated showdown.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.