Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton in the US Open final to claim his second Grand Slam title of the season. Following the match, he reacted just as many observers did upon noticing Trinity Rodman in the stands.
“Trinity, I thought you had a match today, right? Well done as well. You’re the lucky charm,” Zverev said after beating Rodman’s boyfriend, Ben Shelton, in four sets. “Not today, but usually.”
Zverev to Ben Shelton’s girlfriend & soccer star Trinity Rodman after beating Ben in the U.S. Open final
“Trinity, I thought you had a game today, no? Well done to you as well. You’re the lucky charm. Not today, but usually”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 13, 2026
Had Shelton won, he would have become the first American man to capture a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick’s triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2003, and the first Black male champion since Arthur Ashe in 1968.
Despite the disappointing loss, Rodman traveled from her Washington Spirit match against Boston, which kicked off at 1 p.m. in Washington, D.C., to watch Shelton compete.
The US Open final got underway at 2 p.m. in Queens.
Although earlier reports suggested Rodman would miss Shelton’s final debut, she was present in the audience.
Her presence clearly surprised Zverev, who has enjoyed his best year in tennis.
The 24‑year‑old soccer star has attended every stage of Shelton’s hard‑court run and did not miss the conclusion. Unfortunately, both she and her boyfriend are disappointed with the result.
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