Vitas Kevin Gerulaitis American tennis player Date of Birth: 26.07.1954 Country: USA

Biography of Vitas Kevin Gerulaitis

Vitas Kevin Gerulaitis, born in 1954 in Brooklyn, New York, was an American tennis player of Lithuanian descent. He attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens and later became a student at Columbia College of Columbia University. However, his passion for tennis led him to dedicate all his time to the sport, and he left college after just one year.

Gerulaitis achieved significant success in his tennis career. In 1975, he won the men's doubles title at Wimbledon. Two years later, in 1977, he won the Australian Open, defeating John Lloyd in the men's singles final. By 1978, Gerulaitis had risen to become the world's third-ranked tennis player.

In 1979, he was a member of the victorious United States team in the Davis Cup. Known for his incredibly fast hands and showmanship on the court, Gerulaitis captivated fans with his playing style and charismatic personality. He embraced the role of a heartthrob, captivating both male and female fans with his stylish and attractive appearance.

Despite his success on and off the court, Gerulaitis faced personal challenges. He publicly admitted to using drugs, displaying courage and willpower by overcoming his addiction during the 1980s.

After retiring from professional tennis in 1986, Gerulaitis pursued a career as a television commentator, showcasing his extravagant personality. Sadly, his life was cut short when he passed away in his sleep on September 17, 1994, at the age of 40. He was accidentally poisoned by gas due to a malfunction in his friend's house in Southampton, Long Island. Gerulaitis was laid to rest in Saint Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.