Vitas Gerulaitis

Vitas Gerulaitis (July 26,1954-September 18,1994) was a professional tennis player from the United States. He was born in 1954 in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Howard Beach, Queens.

Related Topics:
July 26 - 1954 - September 18 - 1994 - United States - Brooklyn - New York - Howard Beach - Queens

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Gerulaitis' biggest success was winning the men's singles title at the Australian Open in 1977. He defeated John Lloyd in the final in five sets 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 3-6, 6-2.

Related Topics:
Australian Open - 1977 - John Lloyd

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In 1979, Gerulaitis lost in men's singles finals at the US Open to fellow New Yorker John McEnroe in straight sets 7-5, 6-3, 6-3.

Related Topics:
1979 - US Open - John McEnroe

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Gerulaitis reached his third Grand Slam singles final in 1980 when he lost in the final of the French Open to Björn Borg in straight sets 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.

Related Topics:
Grand Slam - 1980 - French Open - Björn Borg

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Gerulaitis also won the men's doubles title at Wimbledon in 1975. He was a singles semi-finalist at Wimbledon in both 1977 and 1978. In 1977, he lost an epic five-set Wimbledon semi-final to Borg 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 8-6 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/wimbledon_history/3742097.stm.

Related Topics:
Wimbledon - 1975 - 1978

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Gerulaitis was a member of the United States team which won the Davis Cup in 1979. In the final, he won two singles rubbers as the US beat Italy 5-0.

Related Topics:
Davis Cup - Italy

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Gerulaitis was known for his exceptionally fast hands at the net and his ability to cover the court with mercurial speed. With his dash of long blond hair he was a precursor, in style at least, to Andre Agassi. Gerulaitis is considered one of the great "might-have beens" of tennis. Some believe that by indulging in a close and perhaps servile friendship with Bjorn Borg, Gerulaitis may have stifled the aggressive instincts needed to bring a player to the top rank. He is remembered as one the most pleasing players to watch on court, and a gentleman off court.

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In 1985, Gerulaitis got back and teamed-up with Bobby Riggs to launch a challenge to female players after the famous Battle of Sexes. However, the stunt was short-lived when Gerulaitis and Riggs lost a doubles match against Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver.

Related Topics:
1985 - Bobby Riggs - Martina Navratilova - Pam Shriver

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During his career, Gerulaitis won 24 top-level singles titles and 8 doubles titles. His career-high singles ranking was World No. 3 in 1978. He retired from the professional tour in 1986.

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Gerulaitis died in a tragic accident on September 18 1994, at age 40. While visiting a friend's home in Southampton, Long Island, a malfunction in the air-conditioning system caused odorless poisonous carbon monoxide gas to seep into the guesthouse where Gerulaitis was sleeping, causing his death.

Related Topics:
September 18 - 1994 - Southampton - Long Island - Carbon monoxide

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