Ben Shelton wasn’t expecting this special guest at his post-match press conference Wednesday.
When discussing his second-round victory over Pablo Carreno Busta at the U.S. Open, Shelton was hit with a question from girlfriend Trinity Rodman, who made a surprise appearance in the media session.
“How did it feel not being able to serve faster than 135 [mph] today?” Rodman inquired as Shelton grinned and put his palm over his face.
The American, who handled Spaniard Carreno in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4, then asked the moderator, “Why did you give her a question?”
To Shelton’s credit, he answered the question posed by the soccer star, 23, before delivering a cheeky message to close things out.
“Let anyone in the room at this point, huh?” Shelton, 22, quipped.
Shelton and Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman and a member of the USWNT, went public with their relationship in March.
She has supported him at various tournaments around the globe, including Wimbledon in July.
Rodman’s appearance at the All England Club ignited headlines, notably when she called out commentators for flubbing her name as “Tiffany” and for mentioning her famous father on broadcasts.
“For those who don’t know… my name is TRINITY not Tiffany,” Rodman wrote in an Instagram Story at the time.
“Also, for Ben’s matches he has his family there as a his support system, which includes his dad … my dads not even in MY life no need to bring him up during HIS matches when I don’t even want him talked about during mine. It’s him and his loved ones’ moment. Thank you.”
Shelton reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon for the first time in his career and lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
“Closer every year … NYC next,” Shelton posted on Instagram afterward.
Shelton, the sixth seed at this year’s U.S. Open, faces Adrian Mannarino of France in the third round Friday.
He is chasing his first Grand Slam victory.