Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Lithuanian parents, Vitas Gerulaitis grew up in Queens. He briefly attended Columbia College but dropped out after a year to pursue his career in tennis.

With tennis running through the family genes, his sister, Ruta Gerulaitis, was also a professional tennis player who reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and the fourth round at Wimbledon.

Gerulaitis competed during a time dominated by legends like Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, and Jimmy Connors. Still, despite this fierce competition, he carved out an impressive career, showcased in 1975 when he claimed the men's doubles title at Wimbledon.

In 1977, he reached the Wimbledon singles semi-finals, losing to Borg in a match hailed as one of the greatest ever. While Borg won 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 8-6 and went on to beat Connors in the final, those five semi-final sets featured some of the finest tennis, still regarded as such today.

Gerulaitis's crowning achievement came in December 1977 when he won the Australian Open, defeating John Lloyd in a five-set thriller on New Year's Eve.

By 1978, Gerulaitis had risen to the third-ranked men's singles player in the world, having won the prestigious WCT Finals by defeating Eddie Dibbs. In 1979, he played a crucial role in the U.S. team's Davis Cup victory, contributing two singles wins in the final against Italy. In 1980, he reached his third Grand Slam singles final, losing to the defending champion Borg.

Gerulaitis continued showcasing his skill and tenacity, winning the Toronto Indoor Invitational in 1981 by defeating Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. Over his career, he won 26 singles titles and 9 doubles titles, achieving a career-high singles ranking of world No. 3 in February 1978.

Dubbed "The Lithuanian Lion," Gerulaitis made a significant mark on the sport, known for his exceptionally quick hands and his impressive court coverage.

In 1985, Gerulaitis teamed with Bobby Riggs to launch a challenge to female players after the famous Battle of the Sexes between Riggs and Billie Jean King. They challenged Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver to a doubles match and the match took place at The Atlantic City Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The stunt was short-lived, with Navratilova and Shriver winning 6–3, 6–2, 6–4.

With his handsome features, flowing locks and magnetic personality, Gerulaitis’ off-court activities drew as much attention as his tennis.

He mingled with celebrities, was a fixture in social circles with the likes of Andy Warhol and nightclubs like Studio 54, played in a rock band, and enjoyed a lifestyle filled with luxury cars and high-profile relationships.