In the world of tennis, familial ties often intertwine with the sport, as numerous promising athletes emerge from the shadow of legendary parents. This generational legacy is evident in the journeys of players like Ben Shelton and Elizabeth Mandlik, who not only share a love for tennis but also the guiding influence of their parent’s experiences in the sport.
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Ben Shelton, an emerging star on the ATP Tour, has his father, Bryan Shelton, to thank for much of his success. Bryan, who reached a career-high ranking of 55 during his playing days in the 1990s, has taken on the dual role of coach and father. Reflecting on Ben’s rapid ascent in the sport, Bryan noted in an interview with The New York Times that while their paths diverge, he aims to support and guide his son in his career. He believes Ben has the potential to outperform him, given his earlier start and remarkable athleticism.
Similarly, Elizabeth Mandlik, daughter of renowned player Hana Mandlíková, is carving out her own space on the WTA Tour. Mandlíková, a four-time Grand Slam champion and a Hall of Fame inductee, instilled a strong work ethic in Elizabeth without imposing pressure. Elizabeth has cited her mother’s approach as supportive, emphasising that her mother’s achievements were not a burden but rather a source of inspiration.
The influence of retired professional players extends beyond just a few prominent names. One of the noteworthy examples in today’s tennis landscape includes Casper Ruud. As the highest-ranked Norwegian player in ATP history, having reached world No. 2, Casper’s grounding comes from his father Christian Ruud, who also played professionally and serves as his coach. Their relationship combines the elements of mentorship and camaraderie, with Christian detailing how their shared interests create a close bond beyond just that of father and son.
Also representing the legacy of high-caliber tennis families is Sebastian Korda, the son of Petr Korda, a former world No. 2 and Australian Open champion. Alongside his mother, Regina Rajchrtová, a former WTA Tour competitor and Olympian, Sebastian embraces the family name while pursuing his passion in tennis. He expresses a comfort with the expectations placed upon him, explaining that his parents have always made it clear that the choice to pursue tennis was his own, ensuring their support regardless of the path he chose.
Another rising star, Cruz Hewitt, is making his mark inspired by his father, Lleyton Hewitt, a former world No. 1. Cruz scored his first professional victory at the tender age of 17, celebrating in a manner reminiscent of his father’s signature gesture. Unlike many sports legacies that may burden the next generation, Cruz feels a strong sense of gratitude for his father’s input in his development as a player.
From the ATP to the WTA, the offspring of tennis greats continue to emerge. This includes Brandon Holt, son of Tracy Austin, a two-time US Open champion and Hall of Famer. With an illustrious background, Brandon appreciates the unique perspective his mother brings to his career choices. He acknowledges the advantages that come with having someone who has navigated the tennis world, offering insights that can steer him towards success.
Maria Sakkari, another notable name on the women’s circuit, is the child of former professional player Angeliki Kanellopoulou. Maria’s rise to prominence includes reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 3, with her mother’s encouragement always present, albeit not forceful. Maria recalls her early years training under her grandfather, underlining the familial support structure that has been pivotal in her development.
Finally, Leo Borg, the son of tennis icon Bjorn Borg, is following in his father’s footsteps, albeit trying to create his own identity. Despite his father’s monumental legacy of 11 Grand Slam titles, Bjorn has made a conscious effort to allow Leo to pursue tennis without the weight of expectation overshadowing his talent. Their relationship reflects a balance of support and independence, with both father and son acknowledging the unique dynamics associated with being part of a famed lineage.
As these athletes continue to make their mark in tennis, they exemplify how the sport often serves as a common thread that connects generations. While the legacies of their parents loom large, each player is determined to forge their own path in the world of tennis, driven by their passion for the game and the unwavering support of their families.