Happy 70th Birthday, Jimmy Connors!

Enceladus

Enceladus

Legend
0625_jimmy-connors.jpg


Today, September 2, 2022, one of the greatest tennis players in the history of tennis, James Scott Connors, celebrates his 70th birthday. During his career, he won 8 Grand Slams in singles, 2 in doubles and achieved a record number of 109 ATP singles titles. Apart from him, only Roger Federer managed to reach three-digit number of tournament titles on the ATP circuit in singles. He was the third tennis player in the history of the ATP rankings to reach the No. 1 position, where he spent 268 weeks.

During his career, Connors was known for his great two-handed backhand, excellent return (which is still considered one of the best in the history of the game) and an incredible fighting spirit.

Connors' biggest rivals were Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl.

 
Does he ever still show up to any tennis events? Is he involved in the sport at all? Seems like he fell off the face of the earth compared with some of his peers.
 
70 years young. Connors is unquestionably one of the key sports figures of the 20th century, as he not only excelled in his sport, but was instrumental in fueling the "Tennis Boom" which elevated the sport's popularity to heights not seen since, with TV ratings, an explosion in tennis interest / participation by millions beyond diehard tennis fans (IOW, regular people). He was at the center of some of the most fantastic sports rivalries/dramas in sports history, making him a true pop culture icon.
 
The most intense and entertaining tennis professional of all time! Thanks for the great tennis! Happy Birthday!
 
A legend as far as results... And of a single mind on and off the court - it's all about me. Always me...

(How soon we forget his self centered rebellion against the newly formed association for Tennis Professionals. On court, his "gamesmanship" was legendary - just win. As Michael Stich stated in an interview, Connors was my inspiration when I was a junior. Later, when I played him, I lost all respect for Connors.(My paraphrase) )
 
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Reading the replies makes me miss the characters of the 70's and 80's which was my favorite era. He was my favorite. Mr Intensity,liked to entertain the crowd and a great player. What he did with that small headed T-2000 was just amazing if you ever tried to play with one.
 
Musterrific said:
Does he ever still show up to any tennis events? Is he involved in the sport at all? Seems like he fell off the face of the earth compared with some of his peers.
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He was sitting 1 row in front and 2 seats to the side of me at the Western and Southern Open for the Sharapova match where after the match they "Parted Ways". It was interesting to watch both their reactions during the match. I really haven't seen or heard anything of him since.

https://imgur.com/a/Y16UPG9
 
It's amazing that after all the hours spent swinging a racquet and running and jumping on a tennis court Connors had the physique of a man just out of a one year sentence to a full body cast.
 
Bambooman said:
It's amazing that after all the hours spent swinging a racquet and running and jumping on a tennis court Connors had the physique of a man just out of a one year sentence to a full body cast.
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He was very fit...still appears to be. Last I read, in terms of tennis, he was co-sponsoring some sort of tennis camp here in the US for new/up and coming talent. As something of an alternative to what the USTA does. Not sure if he still does commentary. Would be interesting to see him coach one of the 'next gen' guys (some who seem to fold like a bad poker hand).
 
Musterrific said:
Does he ever still show up to any tennis events? Is he involved in the sport at all? Seems like he fell off the face of the earth compared with some of his peers.
Click to expand...

He was a guest commentator at the US Open a few years back. Heard him chatting with British commentators. Sounded very quiet and respectful, total contrast to his raucous reputation as a player.
 
Scott_tennis said:
I would suggest adding to the list:

Vines
Parker
Kramer
Trabert
Ashe
Smith
Roddick
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I always think of Kramer as British.....don't ask me why. Considered adding Smith, forgot Ashe (oops). Roddick is the best we've had for some time now. Kind of sad....maybe Tiafoe will change that!
 
jrepac said:
He was very fit...still appears to be. Last I read, in terms of tennis, he was co-sponsoring some sort of tennis camp here in the US for new/up and coming talent. As something of an alternative to what the USTA does. Not sure if he still does commentary. Would be interesting to see him coach one of the 'next gen' guys (some who seem to fold like a bad poker hand).
Click to expand...

He's had 3 hip replacements so he's had his ailments. Last time I saw him playing Mcenroe, his movement was impaired, to say the least. However, he sure seems fit weight wise.
 
WCT said:
He's had 3 hip replacements so he's had his ailments. Last time I saw him playing Mcenroe, his movement was impaired, to say the least. However, he sure seems fit weight wise.
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yep i saw some of a set he played with courier a few years back.. connors was very immobile. he really wore his body out playing
 
big ted said:
yep i saw some of a set he played with courier a few years back.. connors was very immobile. he really wore his body out playing
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I saw that too and it did not look great...but that may have been closer to when he had the replacements done?
Seeing subsequent videos of him hitting since then, he did not seem anywhere near as stiff.
Maybe he should be coaching Murray! Metal Hipsters!
Honestly, got to give these guys credit if they are playing any serious tennis on a metal hip(s)
Can't be fun.
 
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