Tennis, a sport that demands dedication, skill, and often a strong genetic predisposition, has seen its fair share of remarkable dynasties. While many tennis stars have achieved greatness through sheer talent and hard work, some have had the added advantage of a family legacy. These 'nepo babies' (a term often used to describe individuals who benefit from their family connections) have not only inherited the love for the sport but also the skills and guidance that come with it. In this article, we delve into the lives of nine tennis stars who are the offspring of accomplished players, and how their family connections have influenced their careers.
The Legacy of Champions
Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas, currently ranked 80th in the world, is a testament to the power of family influence in tennis. His father, Apostolos, and mother, Julia Salnikova, both played a significant role in his development. Apostolos, a former professional tennis player, coached Stefanos, passing on his expertise and experience. Julia, a top player in her own right, represented the Soviet Union and Greece, further enriching Stefanos' understanding of the sport. This dual influence from parents who were both tennis professionals has undoubtedly contributed to Stefanos' success on the court.
Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis star, has not only eclipsed his father's achievements but also set new records. Casper, ranked as high as number 2 in the world, has reached three Grand Slam finals, a feat his father, Christian Ruud, never achieved. Christian, a former top-ranked player in Norway, paved the way for Casper's success. Casper's early exposure to the sport, combined with his natural talent, has led him to become one of the most promising players on the ATP Tour.
Andy Murray
Andy Murray, a household name in tennis, owes much of his success to his mother, Judy. Judy, with 64 national titles to her name, provided Andy with invaluable coaching and mentorship. Her early training and guidance played a pivotal role in Andy's development. With three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals to his name, Andy has solidified his place among the world's best players, all thanks to the foundation laid by his mother's coaching.
The Next Generation
Leo Borg
Leo Borg, the son of tennis legend Björn Borg, has followed in his father's footsteps. Björn, a five-time Wimbledon champion and six-time French Open winner, spent 109 weeks as the world's number one player. Leo, currently ranked as the Swedish number five, has won a title at M15 Sharm El Sheikh and reached the final at M25 Cairo. The genetic predisposition and early exposure to the sport have undoubtedly contributed to Leo's success, but it is his own dedication and talent that have propelled him forward.
Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton, a rising star on the ATP Tour, gets his talent from both sides of the family. His father, Bryan, was a well-established pro player and college coach, while his mother, Lisa Witsken, was a highly ranked junior player. This rich sporting heritage has provided Ben with a strong foundation, but it is his own hard work and determination that have led him to become a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Sebastian Korda
Sebastian Korda, the son of world number two player Petr Korda, has made his mark in tennis. Twenty-five years after Petr won the Australian Open in 1998, Sebastian reached the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park. With two ATP singles titles and a doubles title at the 2024 Madrid Open, Sebastian is making his own legacy. While he has a long way to go to match his father's world ranking, their shared success as the only father-son duo in the top 20 is a testament to the power of family influence.
The First Generation
Elizabeth Mandlik
Elizabeth Mandlik, the daughter of Hana Mandlikova, a four-time major singles champion, made history at the 2022 US Open. She became the first daughter of a former champion to play in the tournament in the open era. Elizabeth's success on the ITF circuit, with seven singles titles to her name, is a testament to her own talent and dedication. Her mother's legacy has provided her with a strong foundation, but it is her own hard work that has led her to the top.
Jack Draper
Jack Draper, Britain's number two player, made it to number four in the world in 2025. As the son of former Lawn Tennis Association CEO Roger Draper and tour player Nicky Draper, Jack's success was virtually predetermined. His early exposure to the sport, combined with his natural talent, has led him to become one of the most promising players in Britain. His family's involvement in tennis has provided him with a unique opportunity to excel.
Cruz Hewitt
Cruz Hewitt, the son of former world number one Lleyton Hewitt, is currently ranked 612 in the world. While his father's achievements may be unattainable, Cruz is making his own mark. Lleyton, a five-time Grand Slam champion, teamed up with his rising-star son at the 2025 NSW Open in Sydney as a wildcard doubles pair, further showcasing the family's love for the sport. Cruz's journey is a testament to the power of family influence, even if it doesn't always guarantee success.
Conclusion
These nine tennis stars, each with a unique family background, have shown that while talent and hard work are essential, family influence can play a significant role in shaping a player's career. From early coaching to genetic predisposition, these nepo babies have inherited not only the love for the sport but also the skills and guidance that have propelled them to the top. As they continue to make their mark on the tennis world, their stories serve as a reminder that sometimes, family is the secret weapon in the game of tennis.
