# Gerulaitis disqualified in Melbourne

> Gerulaitis quits match after controversial line call in 1981.
- Title: Gerulaitis disqualified in Melbourne · Tennis Majors
- Summary: Gerulaitis quits match after controversial line call in 1981. Vitas Gerulaitis was defaulted in a 1981 Melbourne tennis match after refusing to play…
- Keywords: vitas gerulaitis, peter mcnamara, melbourne indoor, tennis, atp, disqualification, line call, grand slam, sports, Gerulaitis, disqualified, Melbourne
- Source: Tennis Majors — https://tennismajors.com/atp/october-25-1981-the-day-gerulaitis-was-disqualified-in-melbourne-300483.html
- Published: 2026-10-25T09:50:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vitas gerulaitis, peter mcnamara, melbourne indoor, tennis, atp, disqualification, line call, grand slam, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Vitas Gerulaitis was defaulted in a 1981 Melbourne tennis match after refusing to play following a disputed line call.