Vitas Gerulaitis was a charismatic and talented tennis player who won one Grand Slam singles title and reached the finals of two others. He was also known for his friendly personality and his long hair. He died tragically at the age of 40 in a bizarre incident of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a faulty pool heater. This article will explore the career and the death of Vitas Gerulaitis, and how his legacy lives on in the tennis world.
A Flamboyant and Successful Player
Vitas Gerulaitis was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1954 to Lithuanian immigrant parents. He started playing tennis at a young age and showed great potential. He attended Columbia College for one year before dropping out to pursue tennis full-time. He turned pro in 1971 and soon became one of the top players in the world.
Gerulaitis had a flashy and aggressive style of play, often coming to the net and hitting volleys and drop shots. He also had a powerful serve and a solid baseline game. He was known for his speed, stamina, and athleticism. He won 26 singles titles and nine doubles titles in his career, including the 1977 Australian Open, the 1978 WCT Finals, and the 1975 Wimbledon doubles with Sandy Mayer. He also reached the finals of the 1979 US Open and the 1980 French Open, losing to John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg respectively.
Gerulaitis was also a popular and charismatic figure in the tennis world. He had a sense of humor and a flair for fashion. He often wore colorful outfits and accessories, such as headbands, sunglasses, and necklaces. He was friends with many of his rivals, especially Borg, whom he practiced with regularly. He was also a member of the US Davis Cup team that won the trophy in 1979.
A Tragic and Accidental Death
Gerulaitis retired from competitive tennis in 1986 and became a tennis commentator and coach. He also remained active in the tennis community, playing in exhibitions and charity events. He was well-liked and respected by his peers and fans.
On September 17, 1994, Gerulaitis was visiting a friend’s home in Southampton, New York. He was staying in a guesthouse that had a pool heater installed in the basement. The heater was improperly installed and had a faulty vent, which allowed carbon monoxide gas to leak into the guesthouse. Gerulaitis was sleeping in a bedroom on the second floor, where the gas concentration was the highest. He died in his sleep from carbon monoxide poisoning. He was 40 years old.
The police ruled his death as an accident and said that the level of carbon monoxide in the guesthouse was “off the scale”. They also said that there were no signs of foul play or suicide. Gerulaitis’ family and friends were shocked and saddened by his sudden and tragic death. They remembered him as a kind, generous, and fun-loving person who brought joy to many people.
A Lasting Legacy
Vitas Gerulaitis was one of the most influential and beloved tennis players of his generation. He inspired many young players with his skill, style, and spirit. He also contributed to the growth and popularity of tennis with his charisma and personality. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Lithuanian Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. He is also honored by several awards and tournaments named after him, such as the Vitas Gerulaitis Memorial Award, the Vitas Gerulaitis Youth Foundation, and the Vitas Gerulaitis Open.
Vitas Gerulaitis was a tennis star who lived a full and exciting life, but also died a tragic and untimely death. He left behind a legacy of excellence, friendship, and fun that will always be remembered by the tennis world and beyond.
