Ben Shelton was touched by girlfriend Trinity Rodman’s gesture during the US Open final after the soccer star made a last-minute trip from Washington to New York to support him.

Rodman has been a regular presence at boyfriend Shelton’s US Open matches over the past two years, but the soccer star was forced to miss his final against Alexander Zverev due to an NWSL fixture with the Washington Spirit.

The Spirit suffered a 3-0 defeat, but she immediately flew from Washington to New York in an attempt to watch Shelton compete for his first Grand Slam title. However, she arrived just in time to see Zverev reach championship point.

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Shelton fought back after losing the opening two sets, breaking Zverev to extend the match and briefly raising hopes of a remarkable comeback. However, the German proved too strong in the fourth set, securing his second Grand Slam title of 2026.

After his defeat, Shelton was asked about the importance of having Rodman support him. He was also asked whether he had looked into the stands during the match to see if she had arrived in time.

“It means everything. Yeah, I knew she was coming,” Shelton told reporters. “knew it was going to be pretty close to impossible to get here, but even just making the effort and trying is insane.”Yeah, she kind of showed up as I was losing, which for her probably sucked, you know? But, yeah, we’ve made a lot of sacrifices for each other. We’ve, you know, traveled the world to try to support each other when we can. It means a lot, and yeah, same with my family and friends.

“So many people have showed up for me, and that’s what this is all about, being able to share these moments, share these two weeks with my best friends, my family, people I love. That’s why I’m out here doing this. That’s why I enjoy it so much. That’s who I want to get over the line for. Yeah, super, super grateful for all the people that I have around me.”

Zverev also acknowledged Rodman’s mad dash in his victory speech, which made the Spirit star laugh through her tears. “Trinity, I thought you had a game today, no? Well done to you as well. You’re the lucky charm. Not today, but usually,” Zverev said.

While Shelton missed out on his maiden Grand Slam title, he left Arthur Ashe Stadium with renewed belief and a hunger for more after the biggest near-miss of his career. “It’s such a cool moment. Walking out on that court today, there’s nothing like it. I’ve never felt anything like that before,” Shelton added.

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“Yeah, it’s an addicting feeling being in positions like this. Obviously, for me, it sucked the last couple of Grand Slams sitting at home for 10, 11, 12 days while the tournament is still going on, watching, you know, everyone else run through the draw.

“You know, it’s motivating. Losing in the final is also motivating, but this is the position I want to be in. I’ve always, my whole life, had guys out in front of me, guys that I’m chasing, guys that I’m trying to get on the same level as. I’m a late bloomer. That’s just the way that it’s always been. It’s no different now.”