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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Changeover: Vitas Gerulaitis

One of the most exciting and prominent players in the Connors and McEnroe era, Vitas Gerulaitis is one of the many players in the eighties who brought tennis into the limelight for America. Although he was a one slam wonder, winning the Australian Open in 1977, many regard Gerulaitis as one of the all time greats of tennis.


What is interesting to me is that he grew up along with John McEnroe at the same academy, Port Washington Tennis Academy. Many say that he was not only a skilled player growing up, but also had the ability to draw and captivate crowds with his charisma. With the long blond locks and charismatic playing style, it is argued that Vitas was a precursor to the legend Andre Agassi, who also sported similar flamboyant attire. However, it was his net play, not baseline game, that Vitas was known for; this is similar to John McEnroe who was a paragon for serve and volley tennis at that time.

Despite being popular both amongst fans and players, Gerulaitis developed many bad habits which inhibited him from play. A major one of these habits was the drug crack/cocaine, a popular drug that gained notoriety during the eighties. This caused major slumps in his career, similar to Andre Agassi's meth use. However, after cleaning up his act, Vitas returned to the tour and became a commentator for the US Open after retiring. It seemed like things could have only gotten better until he was found dead in his hotel room due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

A clip of Vitas playing:




This week's US Open Series continues on the men's side at the Legg Mason Classic in Washington, D.C. Coverage and analysis of the quarterfinal matches will be done on Friday

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