A group of tennis superstars, including Ben Shelton and others, arrived in Georgia this weekend to participate in the inaugural Atlanta Cup. While the event headlines feature major ATP and WTA names, a notable crossover athlete was spotted supporting her partner courtside. Amid significant offseason headlines regarding her own career, NWSL star Trinity Rodman joined the festivities in her boyfriend’s hometown.
Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman Light Up State Farm Arena
The prelude to Saturday’s tennis showcase began Friday night at State Farm Arena, where the visiting pros sat courtside for the Atlanta Hawks’ narrow 133-134 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The group included four-time major champion Naomi Osaka, current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, and Australian showman Nick Kyrgios. They were hosted by Atlanta native Shelton and his close friend and fellow pro, Christopher Eubanks, who retired in November 2025.
While the tennis powerhouses drew applause, keen-eyed fans noticed Shelton was accompanied by his girlfriend, Washington Spirit forward Rodman. Her presence was officially confirmed by the Atlanta Cup’s Instagram account, which posted a gallery of the group enjoying the high-scoring basketball thriller. One standout photo captured Rodman playfully kicking a basketball while wearing heels, appearing relaxed despite her recent professional hurdles.
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The tennis professionals are in town for The Atlanta Cup, a new exhibition event at Gas South Arena. The schedule features marquee matchups, including Osaka facing Sabalenka and a mixed doubles showdown that pairs Shelton with Osaka against the formidable duo of Kyrgios and Sabalenka.
Rodman’s Vacation Amid Contract Dispute with the NWSL
Rodman’s trip to Atlanta comes during a turbulent week for the young soccer star. Just days ago, the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) filed a formal grievance against the league on its behalf. The controversy stems from the NWSL’s decision to veto a new four-year contract between Rodman and the Washington Spirit, which was reportedly agreed upon by both parties.
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The league rejected the deal on December 4, claiming the contract’s structure violated salary cap rules. The NWSL accused the Spirit of attempting to circumvent financial regulations by backloading payments into future years when the cap is expected to rise. The players’ union slammed the ruling as a ‘flagrant’ violation of Rodman’s free agency rights, arguing the contract was fully compliant with the collective bargaining agreement.
This administrative battle compounds a difficult month for Rodman, who was left heartbroken in late November after the Spirit fell 0-1 to Gotham FC in the NWSL Championship final.
Despite the crushing defeat and the looming legal fight, Rodman appeared in high spirits in Atlanta, stepping away from the drama to support Shelton’s big night.