Coco Gauff and Trinity Rodman Send Heartfelt Messages to Ben Shelton After His Canadian Open Triumph
Tennis and soccer may be different sports, but the worlds of athletics came together this week in a heartwarming show of support after Ben Shelton captured the Canadian Open title, marking the biggest win of his professional career so far. Following his thrilling run to the championship in Toronto, Shelton received an outpouring of praise and admiration from fellow athletes — including two of America’s brightest young stars: Coco Gauff and Trinity Rodman.
Shelton, just 22 years old, has been widely seen as one of the most promising young talents in American tennis. His powerful left-handed serve, fiery personality, and fearless court presence helped him storm through a challenging field at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Canada. After defeating top-seeded players and showcasing clutch performances in key moments, Shelton raised the trophy on Sunday night to thunderous applause — both in the stadium and across social media.
Coco Gauff Reacts: “Proud Is An Understatement”
Among the first to publicly congratulate Shelton was Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion and one of his close friends on the tour. Gauff took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her reaction, posting:
“Let’s gooo Ben!! Proud is an understatement 🔥🏆 That was some run. You earned every bit of that.”
She followed the message with a string of emojis, including the American flag, a trophy, and tennis balls, underscoring the excitement and pride felt within the U.S. tennis community. Gauff and Shelton have known each other for years, both representing the new wave of American tennis stars making waves on the international stage. Their mutual respect and friendship have been on display at various events, and Gauff’s public support was a clear sign of that bond.
Gauff, who recently won the Canadian Open doubles title, understands the pressure of the big stage. Her message to Shelton resonated not only because of their friendship but because she knows exactly what it takes to succeed at that level.
Trinity Rodman Joins In: “Major Moves Only”
Not long after Gauff’s post, Trinity Rodman, one of the standout players of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) and the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, also chimed in. Rodman, known for her athleticism, bold personality, and relentless drive, posted a story on Instagram with a photo of Shelton holding the trophy and the caption:
“Major moves only. Congrats @BenShelton – this is just the beginning! 🔥🔥”
Rodman’s support for Shelton reflects a broader trend of young American athletes across sports supporting each other’s journeys. At just 22 herself, Rodman understands the intensity of competing on a global stage and the value of encouragement from peers who face similar challenges.
Rising Stars, Shared Dreams
What makes the exchange between Shelton, Gauff, and Rodman particularly compelling is how it symbolizes the unity among the next generation of American athletes. These young stars are not just excelling in their respective sports — they’re also redefining what it means to be teammates across disciplines.
Shelton, who has been candid about his journey and the work he’s put into improving his game, responded to the flood of messages with gratitude. In a follow-up press conference, he was asked about the messages from Gauff and Rodman. He smiled and said:
“It means the world. Coco and Trinity are unbelievable athletes and even better people. We all push each other, even if it’s from afar. That support keeps me going.”
A Banner Summer for Young U.S. Talent
This summer has been nothing short of sensational for American athletes under the age of 25. Coco Gauff won a doubles title in Canada and continues to be a force in singles. Trinity Rodman has been one of the breakout stars in women’s soccer, showing flashes of brilliance during the CONCACAF W Gold Cup and in club play. And now, Ben Shelton’s landmark Canadian Open victory adds another milestone.
As the U.S. Open draws near, the buzz around these athletes will only grow louder. Shelton is expected to be a major threat in the men’s draw, while Gauff will enter as one of the top contenders in the women’s bracket. Rodman, meanwhile, continues to build her legacy as one of the brightest stars in American soccer.
Conclusion: A New Era of Athletic Brotherhood and Sisterhood
In an era where athletes are more connected than ever through social media, the camaraderie shown by Gauff and Rodman toward Shelton is not just a feel-good moment — it’s part of a larger movement. These rising stars are building a culture of support, inspiration, and unity that transcends the court, the field, and the scoreboard.
Ben Shelton’s victory at the Canadian Open is a turning point in his career, but the reactions from peers like Coco Gauff and Trinity Rodman highlight something even more powerful: a new generation of American athletes who are rewriting the rules of greatness — and doing it together.
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