Alexander Zverev blasted for 'disrespectful' comment to Trinity Rodman after beating Ben Shelton to win US Open
Alexander Zverev has been slammed for a comment he made about Ben Shelton's girlfriend Trinity Rodman after winning the US Open final.
Zverev, who reached the final of Wimbledon in July, won his second Grand Slam of the year after beating Shelton in four sets at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The German claimed a 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 win over Shelton, who had his other half cheering him on in the stands.
USWNT player Rodman, daughter of NBA legend Dennis, made a 200 mile trip to be in attendance after playing a game for Washington Spirit against Boston Legacy.
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The match took place at a similar time but Rodman, wearing a t-shirt with his face and name on, arrived in her beau's box during the game.
Afterwards, Shelton praised his partner, stating that "even just making the effort and trying is insane".
What Alexander Zverev said to cause a stir after US Open win
Speaking to the crowd following his victory, Zverev also referenced Rodman being present in crazy circumstances when he addressed directly and said, "Trinity, I thought you had a game today, you're the lucky charm ... not today, but usually".
Zverev made the remark in a joking manner which promoted a smile from Rodman., However, some fans took issue with the comment.
One fan on X wrote: "This is so disrespectful".
A second said: "My jaw is on the floor".
A third observed: "Speaking directly to your opponent’s girlfriend after beating him in a Grand Slam final is SOMETHING".
A fourth fumed: "What a wild thing to say".
Rodman and Shelton have been dating since early 2025, with the NWSL footballer reaching out to him on Instagram.
Alexander Zverev nets record prize money fee after US Open win
Zverev did not appear to realise he had won the match point given his low-key reaction but was then presented the coveted trophy by five-time US Open champion Jimmy Connors.
He began the year without a Grand Slam win to his name and struggled to get over the line in finals.
But Zverev is now a two-time Grand Slam winner and could end the year as the world No.1. And even better for 'Sascha', he has claimed the highest ever purse in the history of tennis.
A 20 per cent increase was announced for the 2026 edition of the US Open, with the overall prize pot set at $108 million.
As the winner, Zverev took home a whopping $5.5 million - while Shelton collected $2.8 million for his first Grand Slam final appearance. The same payment structure applied to the women's final, where Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka for a maiden US Open victory.
Previously, Zverev's best fee was $3.3 million after he won the French Open earlier this year. Jannik Sinner's prize for beating Zverev to win Wimbledon was $4.9 million, while Carlos Alcaraz was paid $3 million for winning the Australian Open.
The next Grand Slam is the Australian Open, which takes place at Melbourne Park in January.
Josh Lawless