Ben Shelton's relationship with Trinity Rodman influences ex-American pros to choose him as ATP MVP over Novak Djokovic

Former American Pro Sam Querrey recently chose Ben Shelton over Novak Djokovic for the Nothing Major podcast's ‘ATP MVP' award. Defending his reasons behind the selection, Querrey jokingly admitted that Shelton's relationship with girlfriend Trinity Rodman influenced his decision.

Shelton and Rodman are undoubtedly one of the biggest sporting couples in America at the moment. The former is busy making his mark in the world of men's tennis, having unlocked a career high rank of World No.5 earlier this year. On the other hand, at only 23, Rodman is already one of Team USA's best soccer players, having led the team to an Olympic gold at the 2024 Games.

Recently, the Nothing Major podcast hosted by John Isner, Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson and Jack Sock named their ‘ATP MVP' of the year. Introducing the award, Isner said,

“ATP MVP. Again, winning a Major this year disqualifies you. Sinner and Alcraz, you guys are out. The nominees are Djokovic, Ben Shelton, Joao Fonseca and Jack Draper.” “Yeah I mean, I went with Novak just I thought that was pretty obvious, but you know, we already elected him as president,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sam Querrey chose to put his weight behind Ben Shelton, saying,

“He (Djokovic) did great at the Majors but there's a lot of other tournaments out there. Shelton's dating Trinity Rodman, that's got to mean something too.”

Johnson also argued in favour of the American, adding,

“But also, look, you start watching, you know, NFL games on the weekend, you see Shelton pop up in commercials. It's a big deal.”

In the end, Shelton was awarded the Nothing Major podcast's 'ATP MVP' honor, with both Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson choosing him, while John Isner and Jack Sock voted for Novak Djokovic and Joao Fonseca respectively.

Ben Shelton shares glimpses of his time with girlfriend Trinity Rodman

Shelton and Rodman at a Washington Spirit v Seattle Reign game (Image Source: Getty)

Fans first began to speculate that Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman were dating in March earlier this year. The sporting power couple confirmed the relationship soon after, with Shelton sharing a glimpse of them on social media. Since then, the two Americans have given fans regular updates about their life together.

Most recently, the tennis star included glimpses of his time with Rodman in his Thanksgiving post, writing,

“A little late… but thankful for my people.”

Since they began dating, Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman have been each other's biggest cheerleaders, with Rodman regularly attending the ATP star's tennis tournaments while he returns the favour during NWSL games.

Edited by Riddhi Acharya