I had always admired Vitas for his tenacity. He never gave up in a match, even when he was about to lose. I recall several times he would battle back and win. His never give up attitude was something I embraced as a player, even though I was just a high school player.
Back in the old days, some players would serve while having two balls in their left hand, in case they had to hit a second serve. Vitas was one of them.
@@kennethstokes5102 Most players did, including the women. I'm still playing in my 60s and it never occurs to me to do anything else. I don't want a lump in my pocket.
Love Vitas Gerulaitis, was fun to watch play and he was fun and had Charisma. Played at the 1982 US Open and he was walking around the grounds and took a pic with me. Was just a great friendly guy
I still have my framed VG poster from 1978 or so on my wall of him hitting a backhand on a grass court with perfect form of knees bent and follow-through. One thing you don't hear anything about that was important to my tennis generation was beautiful strokes, technique, and form. And Vitas had beautiful, orthodox strokes to study and watch. His game was perfectly suited for a tennis textbook or instructional guide on perfect stroke production.
Vitas Gerulaitis had enormous tennis talent and sadly, because of his personal problems, wasted that talent. Plus he lacked the passionate desire to dominate tennis like Connors, Borg, McEnroe, Lendl, Sampras and other all-time greats!
It's such his destiny. Nevertheless, he was once and amongst the greatest in LawnTennis. I was an avid of his skill and most particularly his court/playing attitude.
The interesting thing I'll always remember about Vitas, is in his prime he played with a Stan Smith autograph wood racket, while Stan Smith was still a touring pro, and had switched to another rackets!
a man who was a good friend of Connors Borg and McEnroe.....and also a good opponent.....unique
I had always admired Vitas for his tenacity. He never gave up in a match, even when he was about to lose. I recall several times he would battle back and win. His never give up attitude was something I embraced as a player, even though I was just a high school player.
Great great talent ! For me a legend .
Daniele Martinelli
One thing McEnroe/Borg/Connors had in common outside of being tennis legends is they loved Vitas
I remember watching vitas playing Wimbledon with a tennis ball in his left hand.
Back in the old days, some players would serve while having two balls in their left hand, in case they had to hit a second serve. Vitas was one of them.
@@kennethstokes5102 Most players did, including the women. I'm still playing in my 60s and it never occurs to me to do anything else. I don't want a lump in my pocket.
@@samcolbeck I'm doing the same thing in my 60s, so high five!
Love Vitas Gerulaitis, was fun to watch play and he was fun and had Charisma. Played at the 1982 US Open and he was walking around the grounds and took a pic with me. Was just a great friendly guy
I got to meet him in hyde park London he was jogging, what a gentleman 😀
Vitas the best !
R.I.P. Vital
I still have my framed VG poster from 1978 or so on my wall of him hitting a backhand on a grass court with perfect form of knees bent and follow-through. One thing you don't hear anything about that was important to my tennis generation was beautiful strokes, technique, and form. And Vitas had beautiful, orthodox strokes to study and watch. His game was perfectly suited for a tennis textbook or instructional guide on perfect stroke production.
Vitas Gerulaitis had enormous tennis talent and sadly, because of his personal problems, wasted that talent. Plus he lacked the passionate desire to dominate tennis like Connors, Borg, McEnroe, Lendl, Sampras and other all-time greats!
Vitas Gerulaitis Portrait of a Champion amazon books $8.99!!
It's such his destiny. Nevertheless, he was once and amongst the greatest in LawnTennis. I was an avid of his skill and most particularly his court/playing attitude.
All the best people are taken too soon.
This was the same era as Broadway Joe Namath. Athletes partying in NY was quite common.
Vitas like partying and coke a bit more then he liked tennis.... But these were the great days a tennis. Today it....is.....boring......
The interesting thing I'll always remember about Vitas, is in his prime he played with a Stan Smith autograph wood racket, while Stan Smith was still a touring pro, and had switched to another rackets!
Quite ironic. Smith switched to a Fischer because it was easier on his arm and elbow the the wooden Wilson Stan Smith Autograph.
and he was major into coke. And introduced it to best friend Borg as well...
I thought he was into Pepsi 🤣
BJÖRN BORG