‘It’s a Shame’ – Commemorating Late Friend, American Legend Jimmy Connors Lashes Out in Pain as Tennis’ Injustice to His ‘Buddy’ Continues

Published 07/29/2023, 3:11 PM EDT

In the realm of tennis, the Hall of Fame remains a symbol of distinction for the people who have made significant accomplishments in the game. However, recent incidents have left tennis legend Jimmy Connors profoundly emotional. In his Spotify podcast, Advantage Connors, the American legend shared his disappointment over the continuous snubbing of his late friend, Vitas Gerulaitis, by the Tennis Hall of Fame. In the podcast, Connors reflects on the unparalleled impact and charisma of Gerulaitis. He can’t resist the urge to scrutinize Hall’s disregard for tennis’ most captivating personalities.

In the candid conversation, Connors reminisces about his close friendship with Gerulaitis and speaks from the heart. He emphasized the depth of their bond and the affection they shared with each other’s families. He was an integral part of Connors’ life, etching himself into the Connors family fabric.

Jimmy Connors advocates for Vitas Gerulaitis’ Hall of Fame recognition

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For Jimmy Connors, speaking about Vitas Gerulaitis’ absence from the Hall of Fame isn’t a call for equity. The justice call speaks about his respect for his cherished companion. Numerous fans and players alike are inspired by Gerulaitis’ memory and heritage. Connors’ heartfelt plea fills in as a strong reminder that tennis greatness extends beyond statistics and titles.

Vitas Gerulaitis was a gifted American player who was known for his magnetic character and enthralling style. Gerulaitis made a permanent imprint on and off the tennis court. On the court, Vitas Gerulaitis brought an energetic energy that was irresistible, drawing in fans from all sides of the world.

In his podcast, Connors shared, “The Tennis Hall of Fame has gotten away from being the Tennis Hall of Fame. They’re letting a lot of people in there that have been tournament directors. But if it’s a Tennis Hall of Fame, you get in there on your tennis merit..”

Connors shared that the absence of his friend from the list makes him sick. He added,” It just goes to show I mean, does tennis hold a grudge? Oh, did I say that? f**k am I talking about? Right? But I’m just saying that anybody who has drawn that much attention to the game, good, bad, ugly, indifferent, whatever, still brought fans to the stands.”

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Connor also explained, “That was his reputation. It was his life, and he still showed up and played the shit out of his matches. Yeah, you know, win, lose, or draw. And, you know, to me, I mean, I’m talking to him, he’s my buddy… I’m talking from the heart. It’s a shame. It’s a shame.”

When Connors shared a heartfelt tribute to Gerulaitis

American legend Connors paid tribute to his late friend Gerulaitis on what would have been his 69th birthday. Despite 29 years passing since Gerulaitis’ death, Connors fondly remembers their off-court friendship and their memorable on-court rivalry.

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Recently, Connors took to Twitter to express his love for fans. He shared a picture of a golf club engraved with “Vitas Gerulaitis” and a heartfelt message, “Happy bday Vitas❤️.” The touching tribute continues to honor the enduring bond between these two tennis greats.

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Written by:

Aditya Menon is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports, covering several high-profile tournaments and events. With a passion for writing that matches his love for the sport, he has a special interest in covering the activities of tennis legends like Serena Williams and the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis. Aditya’s interest in tennis started at a young age when his father introduced him to the sport.

Edited by:

Tony Thomas

‘It’s a Shame’ – Commemorating Late Friend, American Legend Jimmy Connors Lashes Out in Pain as Tennis’ Injustice to His ‘Buddy’ Continues

Jimmy Connors advocates for Vitas Gerulaitis’ Hall of Fame recognition

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When Connors shared a heartfelt tribute to Gerulaitis