Guillermo Vilas is not a name any tennis fan would know these days. But back in the 1970s, Vilas’ name was common among followers of the sport. Hailing from Argentina, Vilas had helped popularize the sport amongst the masses in his country. By the end of his career, Vilas had won over 78 titles, in both singles and doubles. However, such accomplishments did not define his career. Vilas had been involved in a major scandal that had repercussions reaching far and wide. Along with some cases of match fixing, Vilas’ scandal would be remembered by many.

Guillermo Vilas had won 62 Grand Prix trophies between 1977 and 1979. The Grand Prix was a series of tours that commenced in 1970 and ended in 1989.

The ‘guarantee money’ case in tennis

Vilas had faced and beaten several famous players. However, in 1983, Vilas’ career and image were on the verge of collapsing. Vilas played the Davis cup that year, and just a year later, also played in the Rotterdam cup. He had beaten John McEnroe in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-0, 6-1 in an exhibition match.

His confidence was high, and the year was shaping up to be great for him. But, three months after the Rotterdam cup, Vilas became a part of the persecution of the ATP and the ITF. On June 7, the Men’s International Professional Tennis Council, or MIPTC, charged Vilas with accepting guarantee money. Organizers give ‘guarantee money’ to players in order ensure their participation in the tournament.

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While common practice now, guarantee money was a serious offense back then. Usual punishment meant suspension of the player in MIPTC recognized tournaments for three years.

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As per the MIPTC, Vilas had taken $60,000 to appear in Amsterdam for the Rotterdam cup. He was subsequently punished with a year’s suspension and a hefty fine of $20,000, $60,409 when adjusted for inflation. The scandal ruined Vilas’ reputation and threatened early retirement for the Argentine. Vilas and his lawyers contested the case, but the punishment stood. Vilas said that he was innocent and added that he was being charged unjustly.

“I am broken. All I can say is that I am innocent. I never got anything from Rotterdam other than the prize. I can’t understand how Chatrier can say that he’ll clean up like we’re all criminals. I have been a professional for 13 years, with seriousness and respect. I do not deserve it. I am going to appeal,” Vilas said after Phillipe Chatrier, president of the ITF, claimed that they will clean up the world of tennis. Vilas also added, “If they suspend me, I’ll kill myself.”

Even now, Vilas refuses to accept that he took the money. However, Vilas’ lawyer confessed about receiving the ‘guarantee money’ off the record. Vilas was punished with a suspension when he was number five in the world. He was the first player of such stature to receive such a harsh punishment.

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The story remains to be one of the most prominent tennis scandals to this day.