Sawt Falasteen - For club and comfort: Rodman makes it to Shelton's US Open final

US international Rodman had attended multiple matches as Shelton powered into his first Grand Slam final, including his five-set win over Carlos Alcaraz that lasted until 3:34 in the morning.

But her duties for her National Women's Soccer League club -- she is Washington's leading scorer this season with 10 goals -- had been expected to keep her away for his title tilt with Alexander Zverev.

Somehow, Rodman made it to Flushing Meadows -- some 240 miles from Washington -- to catch the tail end of the championship match.

"She kind of showed up as I was losing, which for her probably sucked, you know?" said Shelton, who fell in four sets to top-seeded Zverev.

But he was more than grateful that Rodman -- who inked a deal that made her the world's highest-paid woman footballer in January -- made the effort.

"It means everything," Shelton said. "I knew she was coming. I knew it was going to be pretty close to impossible to get here, but even just making the effort and trying is insane.

"We've made a lot of sacrifices for each other," he added. "We've traveled the world to try to support each other when we can. It means a lot, and yeah, same with my family and friends."

Even Zverev had a shout-out for Rodman as he accepted the trophy.

"I thought you had a game today, no?" he said with a laugh. "Well done to you as well. You're the lucky charm -- not today, but usually."

N.Awad--SF-PST