Jimmy Connors, drawing inspiration from the examples set by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, has expressed that he does not owe anything to tennis. Since his professional debut in 1972, Connors established himself as one of the most successful players in men’s tennis history. The American accumulated an impressive 109 titles, including 8 Majors, a record yet to be surpassed. Additionally, he holds the records for most matches played (1,557) and most wins (1,274), solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Jimmy Connors was indeed involved in some of the most iconic rivalries in men’s tennis, with his bitter rivalry against compatriot John McEnroe being particularly noteworthy, producing numerous memorable matches. Connors’ later years on the ATP Tour were characterized by struggles with injuries, and he ultimately retired from his professional career in 1996 at the age of 43, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the sport.
In a recent episode of the Advantage Connors podcast, the 71-year-old tennis legend shared two major takeaways from his illustrious career with his son Brett. According to the 8-time Grand Slam winner, he believes that tennis does not owe anything to him, and likewise, he does not owe anything to the sport. This perspective reflects Connors’ humility and his understanding of the reciprocal relationship between athletes and the game they love.
“Listen, I played for over 20 years and I realized two things; one, the game doesn’t owe me anything, and two, I don’t owe the game anything, and I don’t say that disrespectfully because I gave the game everything every time I walked out there.”
Connors said (8:42)….
The 71-year-old also reflected on how tennis has benefited him, drawing parallels to the experiences of modern-day legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Connors acknowledged the positive impact the sport has had on his life and career, highlighting its transformative power and the opportunities it has provided for athletes to excel and leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
“Federer and Nadal and Djokovic and Murray, and now the guys that are taking over, we benefit from the game. Of course we do. I made a living off of it and I have a great life off of it, but that doesn’t mean that because I did that, they owe me anything.”
Connors added.
Jimmy Connors refused to be defined by tennis during his stellar career.
Jimmy Connors at the 2012 US Open.
In December 2023, Connors emphasized that despite his long and illustrious association with tennis, he never allowed the sport to define him entirely. This perspective highlights Connors’ belief in maintaining a balanced identity beyond his achievements in tennis, underscoring his multifaceted personality and interests outside the sport.
“I love playing (tennis), I still love playing, I still love the game and that.. but tennis didn’t define me,” the 71-year old said on a previous episode of the
Advantage Connors podcast.
Connors further expressed that he would never feel uncomfortable about stepping back from the sport, even if it meant fading into anonymity. This sentiment illustrates his confidence in his identity and his readiness to embrace life beyond tennis, emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment and well-being beyond athletic success.