American tennis player Ben Shelton achieved a career milestone this week by entering the ATP Top 10 rankings for the first time. This breakthrough came after his strong performance at the Stuttgart Open, where he defeated Pierre-Hugues Herbert, rising to No. 10 in the ATP Live Rankings.
Shelton’s climb into the Top 10 highlights his steady progress in professional tennis, fueled in part by the unwavering encouragement from his girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman. The couple went public with their relationship earlier this year, adding a personal element to Shelton’s athletic journey.
Ben Shelton’s Remarkable Tennis Progress Throughout the Season
Ben Shelton’s 2025 season has been marked by significant achievements, beginning with an impressive run to the semifinals of the Australian Open. There, he equaled his best Grand Slam performance by reaching the semifinals before falling to Jannik Sinner at Rod Laver Arena, matching his 2023 U.S. Open success.
Continuing his momentum, Shelton stood out at Indian Wells by becoming the youngest American to advance to the quarterfinals since Andy Roddick in 2004. His recent victories in Stuttgart further boosted his standing, especially his tightly contested 7-6(4), 7-5 win over Herbert, where he held firm under pressure, saving all four break points and capitalizing on his single break opportunity.
After moving past Herbert, Shelton secured a semifinal position with a straight-sets victory of 6-4, 6-4 against Jiri Lehecka. His next challenge is against the world No. 3, Alexander Zverev, making this stage a pivotal one in his burgeoning career. With these performances, Shelton ensured his official spot inside the Top 10 once the rankings updated, surpassing Daniil Medvedev’s recent setbacks at the Libema Open.
Trinity Rodman’s Soccer Career and Her Role Supporting Ben Shelton
Trinity Rodman, Shelton’s 22-year-old girlfriend, is an accomplished professional soccer player who competes for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League and represents the U.S. Women’s National Team. Her accolades include a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics and recognition as the NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2021.
Their relationship went public in March 2025 when Shelton shared a photo on Instagram, prompting Rodman to comment, “Shooters shoot I guess,” confirming their connection. Since then, Rodman has actively supported Shelton by attending his matches and celebrating his wins on social media, providing a steady source of motivation throughout his breakthrough season.
Significance of Shelton’s Entry into the ATP Top 10 for American Tennis
Ben Shelton’s entry into the ATP Top 10 marks a significant milestone not only for his own career but also for American men’s tennis. Upon the rankings update, he will join fellow Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, who hold the No. 7 and No. 8 spots respectively, making Shelton the third American in the elite group.
This accomplishment at the age of 22 signals a promising future for Shelton as he continues to develop and challenge top-ranked players worldwide. His rise reflects a combination of hard work, talent, and the personal encouragement from Rodman, which seems to play a meaningful role in his journey forward.