Ever been so nervous watching someone you care about that you develop a tic? USWNT star Trinity Rodman knows the feeling! She was caught on camera intensely chewing gum at the US Open while supporting Ben Shelton, and her reaction to a fan calling it out is absolutely priceless. What’s your go-to nervous habit?
During a pivotal moment at the 2025 US Open, United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) star Trinity Rodman found herself unexpectedly in the spotlight, not for her athletic prowess, but for a candid moment caught on camera while supporting her boyfriend, tennis sensation Ben Shelton.
Rodman, a prominent figure in women’s soccer, has been a consistent presence in the stands for Shelton’s matches, embodying the support dynamic often seen between high-profile athletes. Her attendance at Flushing Meadows underscored the burgeoning relationship between the two sports stars, drawing considerable attention from both tennis and soccer fans.
Cameras zeroed in on the “Triple Espresso” Olympic breakout player during Day 1 of the tournament, capturing her intensely focused yet visibly nervous demeanor. The particular detail that garnered widespread notice was her continuous, vigorous gum chewing, a clear manifestation of her tension as she watched Shelton compete against Ignacio Buse.
This distinct nervous habit, typically an unconscious reaction to stress or excitement, did not go unnoticed by observant fans. One social media user promptly highlighted Rodman’s animated gum chewing, bringing the seemingly minor detail into public conversation.
Demonstrating her characteristic wit and engaging personality, Trinity Rodman quickly addressed the online observation. With a humorous and self-deprecating tone, she replied to the fan, stating, “I get nervous ok chill on me,” accompanied by a dying laughing emoji, effectively turning a potentially awkward moment into a relatable and endearing interaction.
The focus of Rodman’s palpable anxiety, Ben Shelton, the 22-year-old American No. 6 seed, entered the 2025 US Open with significant aspirations. Following an impressive run to the semifinals in 2023 and a standout performance at Wimbledon, where he reached the quarterfinals, Shelton is aiming for his inaugural Grand Slam victory.
Shelton’s burgeoning career is deeply intertwined with his family’s tennis legacy; his father, Bryan Shelton, a former professional tennis player, also serves as his coach, guiding the Florida Gators program. This foundational support system is crucial as Shelton endeavors to ascend further in the highly competitive world of professional tennis.
Should Shelton embark on another deep run at the US Open, it is widely anticipated that Rodman’s supportive presence will continue to be a staple in the stands. Her candid reaction to fan comments, coupled with her unwavering support, ensures that her nervous gum chewing will likely remain a noticeable, albeit endearing, fixture, regardless of public opinion on such “un-Wimbledon-like” behavior.
