Ben Shelton couldn’t contain his emotions. Standing on the Toronto court with his first Masters 1000 trophy, the 22-year-old American delivered a victory speech that revealed exactly who helped get him to this moment. His gratitude flowed from his faith to his family to his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, painting a picture of the support system behind tennis’s newest champion.
What Did Ben Shelton Say About His Family and Girlfriend After Winning the 2025 Canadian Open?
Following his comeback victory over Karen Khachanov in the ATP Masters 1000 final, Ben Shelton’s post-match speech centered on the people who matter most. The World No. 7 began by thanking God for the opportunities that shaped his tennis journey.
“I want to thank God. I feel so blessed to have opportunities like this. Not many people in life get to experience things like this. The joy that I feel today isn’t just because of the win but because of the people I get to spend every day with. The people that I love, the people that love me, the people that will fight for me, have my back,” Shelton said.
The victory became even more meaningful when Shelton acknowledged his mother, Lisa, his sister Emma, and his girlfriend, Trinity. Despite their physical absence from Toronto, their presence was felt throughout his triumphant week.
“My whole extended family, especially my mom, my sister, and my girlfriend, they’ve been with me every single day, even though they haven’t been here in Canada. And I’m just really blessed to have the people I have in my life,” he continued.
However, it was his tribute to his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, that revealed the honest relationship driving his success. Shelton praised his father’s direct coaching style and willingness to provide tough feedback when needed.
“A father who believes in me, who pushes me as someone who’s honest with me. He doesn’t sugarcoat things. He lets me know when I’m not being aggressive enough on the court. He lets me know when I’m not mixing in my serve and volley. He lets me know when I’m being soft and when I need to be more tough,” he said.
That balanced approach to coaching, combining tough love with recognition, clearly resonates with the young champion. Shelton emphasized how his father also celebrates the positives in his game.
“But he also lets me know when I’m playing good ball. So it’s been pretty special to share these moments with you out here. To the rest of the guys in my box. I love you guys too, and I appreciate all of you,” he added.
The historic victory came through a thrilling three-set battle. After losing the opening set 6-7(5) to 11th seed Khachanov, Shelton fought back to win 6-4, 7-6(3), capturing his first ATP Masters 1000 title and third overall ATP Tour trophy. This achievement made him the youngest American man to win a Masters 1000 title since Andy Roddick’s triumph at the 2004 Miami Open.
Shelton’s path to glory included victories over qualifier Adrian Mannarino, 25th seed Brandon Nakashima, 13th seed Flavio Cobolli, ninth seed Alex de Minaur and second seed Taylor Fritz en route to the final.
What’s Next for Ben Shelton After His Canadian Open Victory?
The celebration won’t last long for Shelton. The fifth seed is already in action at the Cincinnati Open, which began on Aug. 7, 2025, and runs through Aug. 18, 2025, at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
With a first-round bye secured, Shelton will open his campaign in the second round against either Camilo Ugo Carabelli or Kei Nishikori. The matchup carries different storylines depending on his opponent. Shelton and Nishikori have met once before, during the 2024 French Open second round, where the American advanced when the Japanese retired with the score at 7-6(7), 6-4. Meanwhile, a potential meeting with Ugo Carabelli would mark their first encounter on the ATP Tour.
The winner of Shelton’s second-round match will advance to face either 32nd seed Cameron Norrie, Daniel Altmaier, or Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round. For Shelton, the Cincinnati Open represents another chance to build on the confidence gained from his breakthrough week in Toronto.
