During an Instagram Live on September 28, 2025, Trinity Rodman, forward for the United States Women’s National Soccer Team and the Washington Spirit, confessed that she and tennis pro Ben Shelton “barely talk” as he competes at the Shanghai MastersShanghai, China, a 12‑hour time‑zone gap that’s testing their relationship.
How the couple went public
The romance sparked early 2025 when both athletes jumped on a TikTok trend set to Jorjiana and GloRilla’s “ILBB2.” Each posted a five‑second clip that showed the number of letters in the other’s name – a clever way to tease without spelling anything out. By March 17, they cemented the reveal on Instagram. Shelton shared a carousel that ended with a mirror selfie taken with Rodman in an elevator, captioning it, “I been focused, but I’m steady climbin’, I’m nowhere near my peak.” Rodman replied, “Shooters shoot I guess,” echoing the TikTok joke.
Even fellow stars took notice. Tennis champion Coco Gauff commented “hard launchhhhh !!” on Shelton’s post, while Rodman’s teammate Alyssa Thompson later joked about the duo’s “softest hard launch.” The back‑and‑forth quickly turned the romance into one of the year’s most talked‑about athlete pairings.
Current challenge: Shanghai Masters and a 12‑hour gap
Fast forward to late September. Shelton is in Shanghai for the Masters, while Rodman is deep into the NWSL season back in the United States. “We barely talk,” she admitted on camera, rubbing her forehead as she prepped for a training session. The 12‑hour difference means when Shelton wraps a match at 9 p.m. local time, it’s only 9 a.m. on the West Coast – a window that quickly evaporates amid recovery routines, press conferences and media obligations.
Rodman’s candidness resonated with fans who’ve followed the couple’s Instagram stories of shared pizza nights and airport goodbyes. “It’s weird seeing a world‑class soccer player and a tennis player both juggling travel, training and love,” wrote one follower. The long‑distance label feels apt – it’s not just miles, it’s continents, split calendars and the relentless grind of elite sport.
Shelton’s injury saga and US Open exit
Just weeks before the Shanghai stint, Shelton’s season hit a snag at the U.S. OpenNew York, USA. As the No. 6 seed, he breezed through opening rounds, beating Ignacio Buse (6‑3, 6‑2, 6‑4) and veteran Pablo Carreño Busta in straight sets. The third‑round clash with France’s Adrian Mannarino turned tragic when Shelton’s left shoulder spasmed in the fourth set, forcing a mid‑match retirement.
“It was one of the hardest moments of my career,” Shelton told reporters, tears welling as he described the pain. He later revealed the injury required weeks of physiotherapy, a factor that influenced his decision to head to Shanghai – the city’s climate and facilities suited his rehab schedule.
Mutual support: Red‑eye flights and public shout‑outs
Despite the strain, the duo have shown up for each other. After Washington Spirit’s 3‑2 win over Bay FC on August 23, 2025, Rodman caught a red‑eye from San Francisco to New York to watch Shelton’s first‑round match. In the arena, Shelton paused his post‑match interview to thank her, saying, “My girlfriend took the red‑eye from California last night to be here.” The crowd erupted, underscoring how fans view their partnership as a symbol of cross‑sport camaraderie.
Rodman has repeatedly said Shelton motivates her daily, while Shelton labelled Rodman his “biggest inspiration.” Their public affirmations fuel a narrative that personal bonds can thrive even when the calendar looks bleak.
Expert take: Balancing elite careers and personal lives
Sports psychologists note that athletes in high‑visibility relationships often face amplified pressure. Dr. Lena Morales, a specialist in performance mental health at the University of California, Berkeley, explained, “When both partners travel constantly, the default is isolation. Communication must become intentional, not incidental.” She added that time‑zone differences can disrupt sleep cycles, increasing stress and potentially affecting on‑field performance.
Morales also cited research suggesting that couples who share “a clear narrative of mutual support” tend to report higher satisfaction, even when physical proximity is limited. “Public shout‑outs, like Shelton’s at the U.S. Open, act as social proof that the relationship is a source of strength, not a distraction,” she said.
What’s next: Upcoming schedules and possible reunion
Looking ahead, the NWSL regular season wraps in early November, while Shelton is slated to finish the Asian swing in late October before heading back to the U.S. for the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, in mid‑November. If both stay healthy, a reunion could happen at the Spirit’s final home game on November 5, where Rodman is expected to be on the bench.
Fans are already speculating about a joint appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, where both the U.S. women’s soccer team and the American tennis delegation are likely participants. Such a moment would underline how modern athletes juggle love, fame and relentless competition.
Key Facts
- Instagram Live date: September 28, 2025
- Rodman’s team: Washington Spirit
- Shelton’s tournament: Shanghai Masters (starts September 25, 2025)
- Time‑zone gap: 12 hours (Pacific Time vs. China Standard Time)
- Recent injury: Left‑shoulder tear at the U.S. Open on August 29, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 12‑hour time difference affect Rodman and Shelton’s communication?
The gap means that when Shelton finishes a match in the evening, it’s early morning on the West Coast. Both athletes have training, media duties and recovery routines that leave only a narrow window for calls, often resulting in missed conversations and a feeling of “barely talking.”
What milestones did the couple share publicly in 2025?
They first teased each other on a TikTok trend in March, went Instagram‑official on March 17, and later celebrated each other's victories – Rodman flew from San Francisco to New York for Shelton’s U.S. Open match, and Shelton publicly thanked her in the arena.
What injury did Ben Shelton sustain at the U.S. Open?
Shelton suffered a left‑shoulder injury during his third‑round match against Adrian Mannarino on August 29, 2025, forcing him to retire after four sets. The injury required several weeks of physiotherapy before he could travel to Shanghai.
When can fans expect the couple to reunite in person?
The next possible reunion is likely the Washington Spirit’s final home game on November 5, 2025, after the NWSL season ends and before Shelton departs for the ATP Finals in Turin.
What do experts say about athletes maintaining relationships while traveling?
Sports psychologists stress intentional communication and shared narratives of support. Public affirmations, like Shelton’s shout‑out at the U.S. Open, help reinforce that the relationship is a source of motivation rather than a distraction.
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