Guillermo Vilas
|
|
Guillermo Vilas (born August 17, 1952 in Mar del Plata, Argentina) was a star professional tennis player. A south paw, Vilas became the first South American player to win a grand slam event, winning four - the 1977 French Open and US Open titles, and the 1978 and 1979 Australian Open titles.
At 5'11, 175lbs. baseliner, Vilas best season on tour was 1977 when he not only won two of four majors but also 17 of 33 tournaments he entered, a record which at the time had only ever been equaled by the legendary Rod Laver. His playing record for that season was an amazing 145 wins against 14 loses. The season climax was winning the last US Open played at Forest Hills against Jimmy Connors 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-0 in a match where Vilas surprised his American rival by attacking the net.
Vilas played his first tour event in 1969 and retired from the tour in 1989. The highest tour ranking he reached was World No.2. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1991. He returned to playing again in 1991 and 1992, mostly in challenger events.
External links
- International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee page (http://www.tennisfame.com/enshrinees/guillermo_vilas.html)
- ATPtennis.com Playerprofile page (http://www.atptennis.com/en/players/playerprofiles/default2.asp?playnumber=V028)fr:Guillermo Vilas