Ben Shelton's breakthrough victory at the Stuttgart Open came with a heartfelt tribute to one of the most important people in his corner.
After defeating fellow American Taylor Fritz to claim the first grass-court title of his career, Shelton singled out girlfriend Trinity Rodman for special praise, crediting the U.S. soccer star for helping inspire another successful week on the ATP Tour.
Speaking during the trophy presentation, Shelton thanked Rodman for making the journey from Brazil to Germany to support him despite her own commitments with the United States women's national team. He jokingly described her as his "good luck charm," noting that he has won every tournament she has attended this season.
The victory marked another milestone in what has already been an impressive year for the 23-year-old American. His Stuttgart triumph was his third title of the 2026 season and the first of his career on grass, further strengthening his credentials ahead of Wimbledon.
Rodman's support throughout the week did not go unnoticed. The Washington Spirit forward travelled to Germany shortly after representing the United States in international friendlies in Brazil and was regularly seen cheering from Shelton's player box.
Following the final, Rodman shared a photo of the couple on social media along with a message celebrating Shelton's achievement. The tennis star responded affectionately, highlighting the close bond that has made them one of the most recognizable young power couples in American sports.
The pair first went public with their relationship in 2025 and have frequently supported each other at major sporting events. Shelton has often spoken about Rodman's commitment to travelling and following his tournaments, while he has also celebrated her achievements in women's soccer, including her landmark contract extension with the Washington Spirit earlier this year.
For Shelton, the Stuttgart title was another important step forward in his rapid rise. For Rodman, it was yet another opportunity to witness a winning performance from the stands.
If Shelton's light-hearted assessment is correct, he may hope his "lucky charm" remains close by as the grass-court season continues.
