Jimmy Connors

Lore & Background

Connors grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois, raised Catholic, and was coached by his mother Gloria and grandmother Bertha. His father was a toll bridge operator, and his paternal grandfather was mayor of East St. Louis. He played his first U.S. Championship at age nine and later attended UCLA, winning the NCAA singles title as a freshman in 1971. He turned professional in 1972 and won his first tournament, the Jacksonville Open, quickly adding titles at Roanoke, Queen's Club, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Albany. He refused to join the ATP in 1972, playing smaller tournaments organized by his manager Bill Riordan.

In 1974, Connors had a 93–4 record, winning three of four Grand Slam singles titles: the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. He was the second man in the Open Era to win three majors in a calendar year but was not permitted to play the French Open due to his association with World Team Tennis. He reached the US Open final five straight years from 1974 to 1978, winning three times on different surfaces. His rivalry with Björn Borg included victories in the 1976 and 1978 US Open finals, though he lost to Borg in the 1977 and 1978 Wimbledon finals. Connors also won the Masters and WCT Finals in 1977.

Reader's Guide

Jimmy Connors is a central figure in tennis history, known for his fierce competitiveness and record-setting longevity. His Open Era records for most singles titles (109), matches played (1,557), and match wins (1,274) remain unmatched. He held the world No. 1 ranking for 268 weeks, including a then-record 160 consecutive weeks from July 1974. Connors was year-end No. 1 for five consecutive years (1974–1978). His eight major titles include five US Opens, two Wimbledons, and one Australian Open. He was the second man in the Open Era to win three majors in a calendar year (1974), though he was barred from the French Open that year. His career spanned from 1970 to 1996, and he later worked as a commentator and coach. The source notes that some tennis authorities ranked other players (e.g., Arthur Ashe in 1975, Björn Borg in 1976 and 1978) as Player of the Year despite Connors holding the ATP No. 1 ranking, reflecting ongoing disputes over year-end rankings.

Did You Know?

• Connors holds Open Era records for most singles titles (109), matches played (1,557), and match wins (1,274).
• He was the second man in the Open Era to win three major singles titles in a calendar year (1974).
• Connors was not permitted to play the French Open in 1974 due to his association with World Team Tennis.
• He reached the US Open final five consecutive years from 1974 to 1978, winning three times on different surfaces.