From Tennis Majors · · 1m 20s
Gerulaitis disqualified in Melbourne
Gerulaitis quits match after controversial line call in 1981.
In brief
Gerulaitis quits match after controversial line call in 1981. Vitas Gerulaitis was defaulted in a 1981 Melbourne tennis match after refusing to play following a disputed line call. Originally reported by Tennis Majors.
The incident
On October 25, 1981, Vitas Gerulaitis was defaulted after refusing to play following a controversial line call.
The match context
Gerulaitis led 4-0 in the deciding set before McNamara forced him to serve for the match at 5-4.
The line call
Gerulaitis argued the umpire called his shot out particularly late, leading to a game penalty.
Gerulaitis' complaint
Gerulaitis demanded the umpire be removed, claiming officials were too old and made mistakes for 60 years.
The consequence
Gerulaitis was fined $15,000 by the Men’s International Professional Tennis Council for the incident.
Gerulaitis' later life
Gerulaitis died on September 17, 1994 from carbon monoxide poisoning at age 40.
The aftermath
Gerulaitis left the court after being defaulted, shaking hands with McNamara before departing.
The quote
Australia should follow the example of the United States and use younger officials.
“Australia should follow the example of the United States and use younger officials”
The legacy
Gerulaitis made his famous quote about not being beaten 17 times in a row after ending a run of 16 consecutive defeats.
At a glance
Vitas Gerulaitis was defaulted in a 1981 Melbourne tennis match after refusing to play following a disputed line call.
