21-year-old tennis superstar Ben Shelton‘s latest win against Jakub Mensik at Indian Wells 2024 has created a wave of enthusiasm and excitement among fans. However, what many may not know is that there’s actually another racket sport star in his family. Bryan and Lisa Shelton have been former players of the sport themselves, and on his mom’s side, Ben shares an interesting connection with the late Todd Witsken.

Apart from being a former tennis player herself, Lisa Shelton also shared her tennis enthusiasm with one of her brothers. Let’s find out more about the athletic journey of Ben’s mother and her deep-rooted connection with tennis.

Lisa Shelton’s connection with Todd Witsken

Todd Witsken, one of the eight siblings of Lisa Shelton, specialized in playing doubles and had a career rank of World No. 43 in singles and number 4 in doubles. His unfortunate death at the age of 34 because of brain cancer came as a great shock to the tennis world in 1998. But for a short time, Witsken managed to etch his mark in the tennis community with his remarkable skill on-court. And Ben Shelton looks primed to carry that legacy forward.

“We kid around, like, which genes is Ben playing with, the Shelton genes or the Witsken genes? He’s got some good blood running through him, that’s for sure.”, Bryan Shelton said once in an interview.

Ben Shelton’s powerful skills go a long way when it comes to his genealogy. It will be interesting to watch how he follows in the footsteps of such great players associated with his family. However, interestingly, Lisa Shelton’s relationship with tennis does not continue today. While Bryan Shelton coaches their son still, Ben’s mother works away from the athletic field.

Read more: Indian Wells 2024: Ben Shelton vs Francisco Cerundolo Preview; Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Lisa Shelton bid goodbye to tennis when she got married

Lisa Shelton’s glorious twenty-five years of marriage with Bryan Shelton are an example of their eternal love for each other. But, it was only after being married to Bryan Shelton that she decided to quit her professional career in tennis and start afresh. She currently holds a job as a realtor for the Thomas Group of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Gainesville, Florida.

Lisa Shelton herself might not have continued her athletic journey in tennis but her constant support for her 21-year-old son, Ben, has always endeared fans. It is only about time to see how Ben Shelton progresses toward success, maintaining the legacy of his family.

Also read : Ben Shelton Flexes His Funny Bone With a Quirky Take On His Friendship With Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe