Connors, Jimmy

Related Category: Sports: Biographies

(James Scott Connors, Jr.), 1952–, American tennis player, b. East St. Louis, Ill. A volatile, controversial, and fiercely competitive player, Connors was known for his theatrical conduct on the court. He is noted for his powerful two-handed backhand, strong return of service, accurate baseline play, and agility on the court. He remains the all-time leader in men's tournament victories (109) and held the men's number one ranking for a record 160 weeks (1974–77). He won five U.S. Open titles (1974, 1976, 1978, 1982, and 1983) on three different surfaces, two Wimbledon singles titles (1974 and 1982), and one Australian Open title (1974).