Ben Shelton parents, Bryan and Lisa Shelton, are also deeply connected to the world of tennis.
Bryan Shelton, his father, not only had a career as a professional tennis player but also took on coaching responsibilities for the Florida Gators men’s tennis team.
His mother, Lisa Witsken Shelton, was known for her skills as a talented junior tennis player.
Following his parent’s path, Shelton also began his Tennis journey At age 12.
As a child, Shelton didn’t show much interest in tennis. Instead, he preferred American football.
However, when he turned 12, Shelton began to develop a passion for tennis and started training under his father’s guidance.
In July 2022, Shelton made his ATP debut at the Atlanta Open, securing a victory against Ramkumar Ramanathan.
A month later, in August 2022, Shelton transitioned to a professional tennis career.
Throughout his tennis journey, Shelton achieved a commendable ranking of No. 3 in the USTA Boy’s 18s division and No. 306 in the ITF Junior rankings.
He reached notable milestones, including being a 2020 USTA Boys 18s Singles Winter Nationals finalist and winning the 2019 USTA Boys 16s Doubles Clay Court tournament.
Ben Shelton Parents
Ben Shelton was born on October 9, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. His parents, Bryan and Lisa Witsken Shelton have a rich tennis history.
Bryan was a former tennis player and coach, while Lisa was a successful junior tennis player.
Ben’s uncle, Todd Witsken, also pursued a career as a professional tennis player. Even his sister, Emma, continued the family’s love for tennis by playing college tennis in Florida.
Father Bryan Is His First Coach
Ben Shelton family is deeply rooted in the world of tennis, with his parents, sister, and uncle all possessing extensive experience in the sport.
Ben was fortunate to have been coached by his father, Bryan Shelton, from a young age.
Bryan, a former professional tennis player and college tennis coach, played a crucial role in shaping Ben’s future.
Bryan represented Georgia Tech in tennis during his college years from 1985 to 1988 before starting a professional playing career from 1989 to 1997.
He also served as head coach for the University of Florida’s men’s tennis team, the Florida Gators.
Under his leadership, the Gators achieved a significant feat by winning the NCAA Championship in 2021.
On June 8, 2012, Ben Shelton was appointed as the head coach of the Florida Gators men’s tennis team, while on June 2, 2023, he announced his resignation from the coaching role.
Mother Lisa Played Junior Tennis
Lisa Shelton, on the other hand, displayed potential as a junior tennis player. However, her interests took her in a different direction, leading her to pursue a career as a realtor.
Her brother, Todd Witsken, also has a tennis background and was a former ATP player.
In his career, he achieved an impressive ranking of World No. 4 in doubles, securing 12 titles, and reached World No. 43 in singles.
Ben Shelton Sister Emma Is Also a Tennis Player
Ben Shelton’s sister, Emma Shelton, born on March 18, 2001, is also a tennis player.
Similar to her brother, she attended Buchholz High School for her education.
Later on, Emma joined the University of South Carolina before transferring to the University of Florida.
She officially signed with the Gators on June 15, 2021, and achieved a career-best ranking of No. 80 in singles On April 28, 2021.
She showcased her skills at the Bedford Cup, fixing the individual title in the Green Bracket. Additionally, she secured a singles victory at the Miami Fall Invite.
Ben Shelton Family
Ben Shelton family is deeply rooted in the world of tennis, with his parents, sister, and uncle all possessing extensive experience in the sport.
Notably, his uncle, Todd Witsken, was a distinguished professional tennis player.
Todd Witsken, born on November 4, 1963, was an American tennis talent renowned for his prowess in doubles play.
His professional journey commenced in 1985, and he left an indelible mark on the tennis world. Witsken’s achievements included being a three-time all-American during his collegiate years at the University of Southern California.
In the rankings, Witsken achieved notable career highs, reaching the impressive status of world No. 43 in singles and an impressive world No. 4 in doubles. His remarkable doubles skills and accomplishments solidified his place among the tennis elite.
Tragically, Todd Witsken made the difficult decision to retire from professional tennis just prior to the 1993 US Open.
His life was cut short when he succumbed to brain cancer on May 25, 1998, at the tender age of 34.
Despite his untimely passing, Todd Witsken’s legacy in the world of tennis endures, serving as an inspiration to tennis enthusiasts and a testament to his remarkable contributions to the sport.
