Jimmy Connors

Biography

Jimmy Connors played tennis with his heart on his sleeve and a chip on his shoulder. His two-handed backhand was revolutionary, and he attacked the net with a ferocity that made every point feel like a street fight. The numbers tell part of the story: 109 ATP titles remains the men's record, and his 268 weeks at number one ranked second only to Federer for decades. But it was the raw energy that made him compelling - fist pumps, arguments with umpires, an almost pathological refusal to concede any point as lost. He won the US Open on three different surfaces, adapting his game across eras. His run to the 1991 US Open semifinals at age 39, carried by sheer willpower and crowd support, remains one of tennis' most improbable fairy tales. Love him or hate him, you couldn't ignore him.

Career Highlights

• 8 Grand Slam singles titles
• 268 weeks as World No. 1
• 109 ATP singles titles (all-time record)
• Won US Open on 3 different surfaces
• Played until age 43

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