Trinity Rodman, the girlfriend of tennis player Ben Shelton, recently voiced her frustrations with several established customs in tennis, questioning how they affect both players and fans. Her comments, focused on traditions such as restrained celebrations, changeover routines, and court etiquette, highlight issues that can make the sport feel restrictive and confusing.

The American soccer star shared her perspective on tennis’ often stiff culture, emphasizing how some traditions seem outdated or unnecessarily limiting, especially for audiences unfamiliar with the sport.

Questioning Polite Net Apologies and Restrained Player Reactions

One tradition Rodman challenged involves the common practice where a player apologizes after hitting a shot that clips the net but still lands in, winning the point. She pointed out how opponents typically raise a hand or shrug as if offering an apology, despite the net being a natural part of the game’s dynamics.

Rodman argued that this ritual diminishes the excitement of legitimately won points, suggesting that players should instead embrace these moments to better highlight tennis’s unpredictable nature. She also expressed confusion over the sport’s tendency to discourage overt emotional displays on court.

Unlike many other sports where passionate celebrations are common, tennis players often limit their reactions to subdued fist bumps or nods, fearing louder expressions may appear arrogant. Rodman noted,

“doesn’t know the history of tennis and doesn’t want to be disrespectful.”

—Trinity Rodman, Soccer Star

She believes tennis, as a direct competition between two athletes, should allow players to show authentic joy and release tension with more visible celebrations.

Calls to Revamp Changeover Music and Offer Players More Break Time

Rodman also criticized the uninspired music played during changeover breaks between games. She mimicked the commonly played tune “We are the dancing queen” and questioned its energizing effect by asking,

“Who is getting hyped by that!”

—Trinity Rodman, Soccer Star

She proposed allowing players to pick their own upbeat, clean songs for these moments, which could personalize the breaks and keep fans engaged throughout the match.

Additionally, Rodman took issue with the length of the standard 90-second changeover. From a practical standpoint, she highlighted how this brief interval leaves fans with little chance to use restrooms or snack without missing significant portions of the match.

Reflecting on her own experience, she said,

“Not that they should have a half-time because they’d get too cold, but for the fans — atleast, for me, I can’t go to the bathroom. Cause if you go to the bathroom you miss three games, cause you have to wait then to go back in.”

—Trinity Rodman, Soccer Star

For players, the 90 seconds also feel tight when trying to hydrate, towel off, and mentally reset during extended, physically demanding matches.

Rodman suggested extending changeovers slightly, emphasizing that the goal would not be to create a full halftime pause but to offer more breathing room for both fans and players. A longer break could help spectators stay comfortable without missing key moments and allow athletes enough time to recover before resuming play.

Impact of Rodman’s Remarks on Tennis Culture and Engagement

Rodman’s candid critique sheds light on how some tennis traditions may hinder fan involvement and limit player expression, potentially making the sport less accessible and exciting to new audiences. By questioning long-held customs such as conservative celebrations, uniform music, and brief changeovers, she invites conversations about modernizing tennis to better suit contemporary viewers and athletes.

As Ben Shelton and other players continue competing in high-profile events like the Canadian Open, ideas like these might encourage organizers to rethink how the sport balances tradition with the desire for greater energy and engagement. If adopted, such changes could make tennis more dynamic and enjoyable, attracting a broader fan base and offering players greater freedom to express themselves.