Ričardas Berankis was born on June 21st, 1990

Written by: Jack Thompson

Riardas Berankis: Lithuania's Highest Ranked Tennis Player of All Time

Riardas Berankis is a Lithuanian professional tennis player who made history by becoming the first and only Lithuanian to enter the ATP top 50 rankings. With a successful career spanning over a decade, Berankis is widely regarded as the highest ranked Lithuanian tennis player of all time.

Tennis Career

Berankis started playing tennis at the tender age of two, following in the footsteps of his six-year-old sister Lina. Under the guidance of his first coach, Valdas Adomaitis, Berankis honed his skills and eventually moved to the Šiauliai tennis school to train with Remigijus Balekas.

In 2004, Berankis dominated the U14 circuit of the Tennis Europe Junior Tour, winning six junior events, including titles in Leeuwarden, Pieany, and iauliai. He carried this momentum into the prestigious Tennis Europe Junior Masters, Junior Orange Bowl, and Eddie Herr International Tennis Championships, winning titles at the end of the year.

Junior Career Highlights

• Won the US Open Junior title in 2007, defeating Jerzy Janowicz in the final
• Reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, quarterfinals at Roland Garros, and semifinals at Wimbledon in 2007
• Won titles at the Canadian Open Junior Championships, Orange Bowl Tennis Championships, and defended his title at the Yucatn World Cup
• Finished 2007 as the No. 1 junior in the world

Professional Career Highlights

Berankis turned pro in 2008 and has since reached two finals on the ATP World Tour, at the Los Angeles Open in 2012 and Kremlin Cup in 2017. He has also been a prominent member of the Lithuania Davis Cup team, representing his country with pride.

Awards and Honors

• Winner of the 2017 ATP World Tour Award for Most Improved Player
• Lithuania's Sportsman of the Year in 2017

Philosophy and Motivation

In an interview, Berankis once said, "Tennis is not just about winning or losing, it's about the journey, the hard work, and the dedication. I'm motivated by the desire to be the best version of myself and to make my country proud."

Personal Life

Berankis is known to be humble and down-to-earth, crediting his family and coaches for his success. He is also an avid fan of Lithuanian basketball and often attends games during his free time.

Legacy and Impact

Riardas Berankis has inspired a generation of young tennis players in Lithuania and beyond. His success has paved the way for aspiring athletes to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. Berankis' legacy continues to grow, solidifying his position as one of the most influential figures in Lithuanian sports history.