Ben Shelton Wins Dallas Open, Viral Kiss Reaction Sparks Debate

Shelton's victory over Fritz punctuated by a viral moment with girlfriend Trinity Rodman

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ben Shelton secured the ATP 500 Dallas Open title with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Taylor Fritz, saving three championship points in a thrilling match. The victory was punctuated by a viral moment as Shelton shared a celebratory kiss with his girlfriend, professional soccer player Trinity Rodman, whose immediate reaction sparked a debate online.

Why it matters

Shelton's win and the subsequent viral moment highlight the growing intersection of sports, athlete relationships, and social media engagement. As athlete power couples become more prevalent, their personal lives are increasingly scrutinized and leveraged for branding and fan connection.

The details

Shelton, a 23-year-old American, secured his fourth ATP Tour title and second ATP 500 trophy with the victory over top seed Fritz. The match was a testament to Shelton's resilience, as he battled back from three championship points down in the third set to ultimately close out the win. Following the match, Shelton shared a kiss with his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman. Rodman's immediate reaction, which included a visible expression of discomfort and a comment about Shelton's sweat, quickly went viral and sparked a debate online about athlete relationships and social media.

  • Shelton won the ATP 500 Dallas Open on February 16, 2026.
  • Shelton previously won an ATP 500 title in Tokyo in 2023.
  • Shelton and Rodman's relationship began to unfold publicly in March 2025.

The players

Ben Shelton

A 23-year-old American tennis player who secured his fourth ATP Tour title and second ATP 500 trophy with the victory in Dallas.

Taylor Fritz

The top seed and Shelton's opponent in the Dallas Open final.

Trinity Rodman

A professional soccer player and the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, who is Shelton's girlfriend.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The attention surrounding Shelton and Rodman's relationship highlights the increasing scrutiny and public interest in athlete power couples, as well as the growing influence of social media in shaping athlete branding and fan engagement. This trend reflects the evolving dynamics of sports and the personal lives of athletes in the digital age.