Ben Shelton delivered a smooth yet stinging reaction to a troll criticizing the American ATP star’s girlfriend Trinity Rodman. The criticism stemmed from a particular expression that the women’s soccer sensation made following Shelton’s title triumph at the recently-concluded Dallas Open.
On the night of Sunday, February 15, Shelton, the World No. 9 in men’s singles tennis, saved three championship points to defeat compatriot and fellow top 10 ATP star Taylor Fritz 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win his fourth career singles title as well as his second at ATP 500 level. In the aftermath of the result, the 23-year-old, with his shirt absolutely soaked in sweat, lovingly kissed and hugged girlfriend Rodman, who was present in the stands alongside his team.
As Shelton let go of the USWNT and Washington Spirit forward, she said, “Ewww” while making an expression of disgust at having the former No. 5’s sweat on her top and face. She proceeded to rub herself dry with a towel, which the former Florida Gators star noticed and playfully said:
“I’ll bring some more towels.”
Most fans were amused by the moment, a video of which went viral, but one’s reaction on Instagram stood out. This particular fan reacted with a rather mean take, claiming that Rodman isn’t disgusted by the ‘money and status’ that comes her way by virtue of being Shelton’s girlfriend. The troll wrote:
“I bet she won’t say “Ewww” to the money and status that comes along with that sweat.”
Subsequently, Shelton responded to the troll with a rather brutal reminder that Rodman happens to be the highest-paid women’s soccer player in the world right now courtesy of the three-year contract extension she signed with Washington Spirit earlier this year. The American ATP star replied:
“Highest paid female soccer player in the world btw 😂”
Ben Shelton Speaks Up About Becoming ‘More Complete’ After Title-Winning Dallas Open Run
Shelton interacted with reporters at a press conference after beating Fritz in the 2026 Dallas Open final. Here, the former World No. 5 reflected to his successful run at the ATP 500 hardcourt event and claimed he can improve much more based on multiple tough moments he had to navigate on court over the course of the tournament.
“For me it’s a steady work in progress. I want to continue to improve my game and become more well rounded. There’s areas of improvements even this week that I can point out, places that I got myself into a hole that I can do a much better job of, certain shots that can become much better. I can become a more complete player”
Shelton’s career highlight so far remains his maiden Masters 1000 title triumph at last year’s Canadian Open.
Read More News:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
