They called him the “Lithuanian Lion.” And he didn’t just live up to this name on the pitch.
Vitas Gerulaitis was one of the most memorable figures in tennis history, a companion and good friend of the icons Björn Borg, John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors – although not quite as successful in sport, but just as dazzling as a personality.
The 1977 Australian Open winner was known as a party beast, a womanizer and a regular at the legendary New York nightclub “Studio 54”, where he socialized with superstars such as Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol.
Gerulaitis was a sports playboy like George Best and Formula 1 legend James Hunt – with an end that was as tragic as it was far too early: He died on September 17, 1994, a few months after his 40th birthday, as a result of a tragic toxic accident near his home.
Dazzling life in the shadows of Borg, McEnroe, Connors
Vitas Gerulaitis was born on July 26, 1954 in Brooklyn; his parents had fled their Lithuanian homeland to America at the time of World War II. Vitas became a US citizen and, like sister Ruta, proved to be a great tennis talent. Both became professionals.
The greatest triumph of his career was his victory in Melbourne in 1977, where he defeated the British John Lloyd in the final on December 31st – 48 years ago today. Gerulaitis also made it to the finals at the US Open 1979 and the French Open 1980, but suffered defeats against McEnroe and Borg. (Why Björn Borg quit at the age of 26)
Gerulaitis’ highest world ranking was number 3, another career highlight was winning the Davis Cup in 1979. At McEnroe’s side, he contributed two wins to the 5-0 final triumph against Italy. (John McEnroe: His private life was also a drama)
“Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row!”
The extra class of the big three back then prevented the “Lithuanian Lion” from having an even greater career. Despite his penchant for the sweet life, his work ethic and perseverance as a professional were considered exemplary among colleagues.
One of Gerulaitis’ most famous quotes came after the end of a long losing streak against Connors: “Let’s be clear: Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row!” (Björn Borg did it later though)
Another quip that summed up a lot of things: “If I were as successful on the pitch as I am off the pitch, I would be number 1.”
Gerulaitis led Pete Sampras to a tournament victory
Gerulaitis ended his career in 1986 and went on to make some personal headlines – including a drug charge – but settled down in the final years of his life.
He remained present in the scene as a commentator on US television and also had a brief engagement alongside Pete Sampras, whose coach Tim Gullikson he represented at the 1994 Italian Open.
With Gerulaitis as coach, Sampras won the final against Boris Becker, four months later the news of Gerulaitis’ untimely death shocked the industry.
Cause of death: Gerulaitis poisoned by a pool heater
On September 17, 1994, after an old men’s double with Borg, Connors and Lloyd, Gerulaitis stayed overnight in a friend’s guest house in the small town of Southampton near New York; an incorrectly installed pool heater poisoned the air there with carbon monoxide.
A servant found Gerulaitis lifeless after he failed to show up for his scheduled dinner.
“He was like a brother to me. I knew him longer and better than anyone else and I feel like I’ve lost a member of my family,” said the shocked Borg New York Times.
Borg, McEnroe and Connors were the pallbearers for their unfinished companion.
Gerulaitis was buried at Saint Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.
