Ben Shelton had his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, in attendance, sitting courtside in the players’ box for the semifinal against Denis Shapovalov at the Dallas Open on Saturday night. The Canadian pushed Shelton to the limit as the 23-year-old dug deep to complete a come-from-behind win and reach the Dallas Open finals.
After beating Shapovalov, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6, Shelton waved to the crowd in celebration, then approached the players’ seating area to gather his things. While taking a much-needed breather there, he locked eyes with Rodman, who did her famous dance move, hilariously persuading Shelton to do the same while he was seated.
While Rodman gave a high-five to Shelton’s dad and coach, Bryan Shelton, the World No. 9 approached the presenter near the net for the customary on-court interview, where, besides praising his semifinal opponent for a fantastic match, he showered some love on Rodman, wishing her a Happy Valentine’s Day.
“The energy was sick in here. And second, this is the second tournament that my girlfriend has shown up on the semifinals day. I’m 2-0, I’m 2-0 in semis when she shows up for that, so happy Valentine’s Day,” Shelton said.
Sunday’s final will be the first of the year for Shelton, as he looks to get past a disappointing Australian swing and rise in the ATP rankings by finally winning some silverware.
Ben Shelton to Meet Fellow American Taylor Fritz in the Dallas Open Final
Shelton has set up a thrilling All-American final at the Dallas Open, as he is set to face World No. 7 Taylor Fritz in the summit clash. Fritz, the top seed in the tournament, defeated Marin Cilic in the other semifinal in two grueling tiebreakers to reach Sunday’s final.
As both players seek their maiden tournament win of the season, the final on Sunday night is expected to be thrilling. While Shelton and Fritz are tied 1-1 in the head-to-head stats, the lefty would be looking to make the most of Fritz’s probable injury concern from the semifinal to bolster his chances of winning the ATP 500 event.
After the Dallas Open, Shelton is set to play the Mexican Open in Acapulco, starting February 23.
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