Tennis Star Ben Shelton Cheers on Girlfriend Trinity Rodman at NWSL Match Following U.S. Open Heartbreak

Ben Shelton refused to let his premature U.S. Open departure dampen his spirits for too long.

The American tennis player was spotted supporting his girlfriend Trinity Rodman during Sunday's NWSL match between the Washington Spirit and Chicago Stars. Over the previous month, Rodman had been present at numerous Shelton matches during the Cincinnati Open and U.S. Open—occasionally taking overnight flights to reach New York—and Shelton was quick to reciprocate the support.

Shelton appeared in relaxed casual attire in the spectator area at Audi Field in Washington D.C., mere days following his withdrawal from the third-round encounter against French player Adrian Mannarino due to a shoulder problem.

Television coverage also captured Shelton's endearing response when Rodman came close to netting a goal with a header from a Washington set piece:

The 23-year-old Rodman had previously struggled with a back problem that required her departure from training in mid-April, but the Spirit forward recovered in time for the NWSL's regular season restart in late July. She recorded eight goals and six assists across 26 appearances for Washington in the previous campaign.

Rodman, who has been in a relationship with Shelton since March, posted an affectionate note to the 22-year-old tennis professional following his U.S. Open withdrawal. "You embody strength and commitment," Rodman posted on her Instagram Stories. "I love you, and you'll return even stronger."