Alexander Zverev rubs salt in Ben Shelton's wounds with cruel Trinity Rodman dig

Joseph McBrideSun, September 13, 2026 at 11:20 PM UTC

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Alexander Zverev made a cheeky comment about Trinity Rodman after the US Open final -Credit:2026 Getty Images

US Open champion Alexander Zverev couldn't help but rub salt in the wounds after seeing Trinity Rodman arrive at Arthur Ashe Stadium just as he was about to beat Ben Shelton in the final.

Zverev won the US Open for the first time on Sunday, beating Shelton in four sets to cap off a stunning year that also saw him lift the French Open. Shelton's corner had one notable absence for the final, as Rodman had an NWSL game in Washington that clashed with the tennis match.

Rodman raced over from Washington to try to support Shelton during the final, but arrived just as Zverev was preparing for championship point. Zverev showed respect to Shelton's corner during his post-match speech, but couldn't help make one cheeky comment to Rodman.

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"Trinity, I thought you had a game today, no? Well done to you as well. You’re the lucky charm. Not today, but usually," Zverev said.

While Zverev's comment seemed savage, Rodman was seen laughing after initially wiping tears following Shelton's defeat. Zverev also rushed over to Shelton's father and coach, Bryan, immediately after winning to show his respect.

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Zverev also made a bold prediction about Shelton's future, insisting that he would one day be a US Open champion. "Ben, you’re an incredible player and person," Zverev said.

"It’s your first Grand Slam final, but I already told you you’re gonna be back here many more times. If I had to bet my money on it, I’d bet that you would lift this trophy one day."

Zverev's comment made Rodman smile in the crowd after her initial tears -Credit:2026 United States Tennis Association

Rodman had supported Shelton throughout the US Open, attending the majority of his matches on a stunning run to the final. While some fans noted that Jannik Sinner withdrew, and Novak Djokovic suffered an early exit, Shelton had one of the toughest runs imaginable.

Aside from beating Frances Tiafoe and Alcaraz before facing Zverev, Shelton also had to get past Stefanos Tsitsipas, Denis Shapovalov, and Hubert Hurkacz along the way. Zverev appeared to be one step too far, and Shelton ran out of steam in the fourth set.

Shelton showed his class after settling for the runners-up prize, admitting that not only was Zverev better, but he's been No. 1 on the ATP Tour this year. "Sascha, congrats on these two weeks, man. Your second Grand Slam title. Two in one year," Shelton said.

Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev pose after the US Open final -Credit:2026 United States Tennis Association

"You’re one of the very best players in the world. Maybe the best player in the world this year. What you’re doing is incredible.

"The way you’re serving, moving, and playing. You work harder than anyone I know. You put more hours on the court than anyone I know.

"You and your team do things the right way. Sincerely happy for you guys to hold this title. It’s been a long time coming here."

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”