Jimmy Connors

Jimmy Connors is an American former professional tennis player and a highly successful author, commentator, and coach. He holds three prominent Open Era men's singles records, with 109 titles, 1,557 matches played, and 1,274 match wins.

He was ranked as the World No. 1 for 268 weeks and won eight major singles titles and three year-end championships.

Player Profile and Personal Life

James Scott Connors was born on September 2, 1952, in Belleville, Illinois, USA. He stands 178 cm tall and he plays left-handed with a two-handed backhand. He was known for his fiery competitiveness and aggressive style of play.

He was coached and trained by his mother, Gloria, and his grandmother, Bertha, from a young age. In 1968, his mother took him to Southern California to be coached by Pancho Segura, but she remained his primary coach and manager throughout his career.

Connors was briefly engaged to fellow tennis pro Chris Evert in 1974. In 1979, he married Playboy model Patti McGuire, and they have two children. They currently live in Santa Barbara, California.

Early Life and Junior Career

Connors grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois, and played in his first U.S. Championship at age nine. He won the Junior Orange Bowl in both the 12- and 14-year categories. He also attended St. Phillip's Grade School with his brother, John.

Professional Career

Connors turned professional in 1972. In 1974, he had one of the most dominant seasons in tennis history, winning three major titles: the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. He was not permitted to play in the French Open that year, preventing him from winning the Calendar Grand Slam.

He was ranked as the World No. 1 for 268 weeks, finishing as the year-end No. 1 five times. His career titles include eight major singles titles and three year-end championships. He is considered one of the greatest male players of all time.

In doubles, he won 16 titles, including the Wimbledon Championships in 1973 and the US Open in 1975. He was also a member of the victorious United States Davis Cup team in 1981. Connors' playing career ended in 1996.

Jimmy Connors was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1998.

Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Connors transitioned into coaching.

He coached Andy Roddick from 2006 to 2008 and briefly coached Maria Sharapova in 2013. He also worked as a tennis commentator and authored an autobiography.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 1274–283 (81.8%)
• Career titles: 109
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (July 29, 1974)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – W (1974)
• French Open – SF (1979, 1980, 1984, 1985)
• Wimbledon – W (1974, 1982)
• US Open – W (1974, 1976, 1978, 1982, 1983)

Other tournaments (Singles)

• Tour Finals – W (1977)
• WCT Finals – W (1977, 1980)

Doubles

• Career record: 174–78 (68.9%)
• Career titles: 16
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (1974)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – 3R (1974)
• French Open – F (1973)
• Wimbledon – W (1973)
• US Open – W (1975)

Team competitions

• Davis Cup – W (1981)