Ričardas Berankis
The trailblazing Lithuanian who carried his nation's tennis hopes onto the global ATP tour for over a decade.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Lithuanian tennis player·Birthday: June 21·Millennials
Biography
Ričardas Berankis didn't just play tennis; he shouldered the expectations of an entire nation every time he stepped onto the court. As the first and only Lithuanian to crack the ATP's Top 50, he was a one-man sporting revolution for a country with no tennis tradition. His game was built on relentless speed and crisp ball-striking, a testament to his junior prowess where he won the prestigious Orange Bowl and reached the US Open boys' final. The professional circuit saw him battle the world's best, reaching two ATP finals and consistently performing in Grand Slam main draws. For years, he was the indispensable leader of the Lithuanian Davis Cup team, often single-handedly securing victories. His career stands as a monument to what is possible with sheer determination, putting Lithuania firmly on the tennis map.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ričardas was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ričardas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Ričardas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 50, the highest ever for a Lithuanian player.
- Reached the finals of the ATP Los Angeles Open in 2012 and the Kremlin Cup in Moscow in 2017.
- Won the 2007 US Open boys' singles title, becoming a world No. 1 junior.
- Represented Lithuania in Davis Cup for over 15 years, playing a record number of ties and matches.
Did You Know?
He was a ball boy at a ATP tournament in St. Petersburg as a child.
Berankis is an avid fan of the NBA and particularly the Golden State Warriors.
He stands at 5'9", making him one of the shorter players to reach the ATP Top 50 in the modern era.
“I carry the flag for Lithuania every time I step on court.”
