Vitas Gerulaitis

Born Vytautas Kevin Gerulaitis, the deceased tennis pro Vitas Gerulaitis left a throng of mourning fans and peers on September 17, 1994 when he died accidentally from carbon monoxide poisoning. Born July 26, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York, Gerulaitis was of Lithuanian descent, and grew up in Howard Beach, Queens. He is best remembered in tennis history for winning the men's singles title in 1977 at the Australian Open.

Gerulaitis was an intense charmer, an enigmatic figure who won the adoration of tennis fans not only because of his marvelous play – he had quick hands and amazing court coverage – but because he looked every bit the tennis celebrity: his long blonde locks, charismatic personality and unwavering confidence made him a man comfortable in his own skin.

Gerulaitis was well-trained in his younger years, having attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, an institution known for its intense focus on both the academics and athletics. Graduating in 1971, Gerulaitis enrolled at the Columbia College; but he was there for only a year, dropping out to play tennis full time. Seven years after high school, he earned the distinction World’s No. 3.

In 1975, Gerulaitis led the Pittsburgh Triangles to the World Team Tennis championship title. He also won the Wimbledon men's doubles title the same year. By 1977, he was ready for the big thing, and he indeed won the most important title in his tennis career, the Australian Open Singles title wherein he defeated John Lloyd in five sets. He was also part of the Davis Cup team that won the top spot in 1979.Gerulaitis’ long list of wins include twenty-four Singles titles and eight doubles titles. He retired from professional competition in 1986.

His tragic and accidental death eight years later caused a deep mourning from the tennis world. Tennis star Chris Lewis said of Vitas in a tribute: “To me, his legacy is that of someone who squeezed out every ounce of life before his accidental and tragic death. He was both a great player and a great person.”