Alexander Zverev has been criticized by fans for his comments directed at Ben Shelton's girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, during his victory speech after winning the US Open. Zverev defeated Shelton in a four-set match on Sunday.
During his address to the crowd, Zverev turned his attention to Rodman, who had attended the match. "Hey Trinity, I thought you have a game today, no? Well done to you as well. You're the lucky charm, so. Not today, but usually," Zverev said. Rodman, a soccer player for the NWSL's Washington Spirit, appeared to laugh off the remarks while shown on the stadium screen.
Despite neither Rodman nor Shelton appearing offended, social media users voiced their disapproval. Comments on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) included sentiments such as "Bro beat him and took a shot at his girl. Pure humiliation," and "The ultimate disrespect by Zverev."
Fans defended Rodman, with one user noting, "Didnt care much for this mocking of Trin. She has been all class in the support of her BF." Another described Zverev's actions as "Beats him for the title, now trying to steal his gal. Cold."
Meanwhile, Ben Shelton has called for tennis officials to implement a shot clock for second serves. He noted that Zverev routinely bounced the ball numerous times before serving, suggesting that the current rules, which allow considerable leeway on second serves, could be detrimental to the sport's pace and spectator experience.
"I think that there should be some sort of rule… limiting time on second serve. You shouldn't have unlimited time. For our sport, for the fans, I think it's tough to be sitting there that long for the next play, the next action to happen," Shelton stated.
Reports indicate Zverev bounced the ball over 12,000 times during his previous five matches at the US Open. His semifinal opponent, Karen Khachanov, had previously commented on Zverev's serving routine, noting that it annoys many players.