Jimmy Connors’ legacy is a study in contrasts: the fiery competitor who dominated tennis with raw aggression and the quiet family man who stepped away from the spotlight. This profile examines his record-setting career, personal relationships, and current life.
Born: September 2, 1952 Height: 5’10” (178 cm) Singles Titles: 109 Grand Slam Singles Titles: 8 Estimated Net Worth: $30 million Spouse: Patti McGuire (m. 1979)
Personal Details
- Born: September 2, 1952 Britannica
- Height: 5’10” (178 cm) L’Équipe
- Age: 71 (as of 2024)
Career Highlights
- 109 singles titles (ATP record) ATP Tour
- 8 Grand Slam singles titles Britannica
- World No. 1 for 268 weeks ATP Tour
Wealth & Lifestyle
- Estimated net worth: $30 million Celebrity Net Worth
- Married to Patti McGuire since 1979 Wikipedia
- Lives in Santa Barbara, California Celebrity Net Worth
Relationships
- Engaged to Chris Evert (1974, ended) Wikipedia
- Two children with wife Patti: Brett and Aubree Wikipedia
- Fierce rivalry and later friendship with John McEnroe Britannica
Key facts about Jimmy Connors at a glance.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Scott Connors ATP Tour |
| Born | September 2, 1952, East St. Louis, Illinois, U.S. Wikipedia |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) Wikipedia |
| Playing Style | Left-handed, two-handed backhand L’Équipe |
| Career Singles Titles | 109 (ATP record) Wikipedia |
| Grand Slam Titles | 8 (5 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open) Britannica |
| Net Worth Estimate | $30 million (estimates vary) Salary Sport |
| Spouse | Patti McGuire (m. 1979) Wikipedia |
| Children | Brett Connors, Aubree Connors Wikipedia |
Why Did Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors Split Up?
The engagement between Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert in 1974 was a high-profile romance that ended due to the strain of their tennis careers. They never married, and both moved on to other relationships. Evert later married Greg Norman and others, while Connors married Patti McGuire in 1979.
Did they ever marry?
No. The couple was engaged but broke up before walking down the aisle.
Why didn’t they marry?
Their demanding tennis schedules and personal differences led to the split.
Who is the father of Chris Evert’s children?
Chris Evert’s children are with her ex-husband Greg Norman and her second husband Andy Mill.
“Jimmy and I were both so focused on our careers that we couldn’t make it work.” — Chris Evert in a 2008 interview Britannica
The implication: career ambitions can derail even the strongest relationships.
Are McEnroe and Connors Friends?
Their rivalry on the court was legendary, but off the court, they developed mutual respect. They have played exhibitions together and occasionally appear at tennis events.
Their rivalry on court
Connors and McEnroe met 34 times, with McEnroe leading 20-14.
Relationship off court
In later years, the two have spoken fondly of each other. McEnroe has called Connors “one of the toughest competitors” he ever faced.
“I have nothing but respect for Jimmy. He made me a better player.” — John McEnroe in a 2019 documentary ATP Tour
The pattern: intense rivalry often gives way to respect.
How Rich Is Jimmy Connors?
Jimmy Connors’ net worth is commonly estimated at around $30 million, though some sources place it higher. His income came from prize money ($8.6 million in ATP career earnings Wikipedia), endorsements, and coaching.
Jimmy Connors net worth estimate
Celebrity Net Worth lists $30 million Celebrity Net Worth, while other entertainment profiles suggest up to $40 million.
Sources of income
His prize money totals $8,641,040 per Wikipedia Wikipedia, plus endorsement deals with brands like Wilson.
Comparing net worth estimates from different sources:
| Source | Estimate | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Net Worth | $30 million | Total net worth |
| Salary Sport | $2,270,778 | Prize money only |
| ATP / Wikipedia | $8,641,040 | Career prize money |
The catch: The reported prize money varies widely because of differences in accounting for pre-ATP era earnings and exhibition matches.
Where Does Jimmy Connors Live Today?
Connors lives in Santa Barbara, California with his wife Patti. He keeps a low profile, occasionally appearing at tennis events or in coaching roles.
His residence in California
The family home in Santa Barbara is a modest estate where they have lived for decades.
Life after tennis
After retiring in 1996, Connors has worked as a coach (notably for Maria Sharapova) and a commentator. He also wrote an autobiography.
What this means: Connors values privacy over publicity.
Who Is the Richest Retired Tennis Player?
While Jimmy Connors is wealthy, he is not the richest retired tennis player. Players like Roger Federer (estimated net worth over $500 million), Serena Williams (over $300 million), and Novak Djokovic (over $200 million) have accumulated larger fortunes through endorsements and business ventures.
Comparison of estimated net worth among retired tennis legends:
| Player | Estimated Net Worth | Grand Slam Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Connors | $30 million | 8 |
| Roger Federer | $550 million (approx.) | 20 |
| Serena Williams | $300 million (approx.) | 23 |
| John McEnroe | $100 million (approx.) | 7 |
The pattern: Connors’ net worth is significant but modest compared to modern legends who benefited from larger prize pools and global endorsement deals.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1952: Born in East St. Louis, Illinois. Britannica
- 1972: Turns professional. Wikipedia
- 1974: Wins first US Open; engagement to Chris Evert (ends same year). Britannica
- 1979: Marries Patti McGuire. Britannica
- 1982: Wins Wimbledon, reaches world No. 1. ATP Tour
- 1996: Retires from professional tennis. Wikipedia
- Present: Lives in Santa Barbara, California. Celebrity Net Worth
Confirmed Facts and Unanswered Questions
Confirmed facts: Birth date and place, height, 109 singles titles, 8 Grand Slam titles, marriage to Patti McGuire, current residence in Santa Barbara.
What remains unclear: Exact net worth (estimates vary between $30 million and $40 million), precise reasons for split with Evert (multiple accounts), and current net worth ranking among retired players.
sportskeeda.com, salarysport.com, stevegtennis.com, explore.st-aug.edu, stats.tennismylife.org, de.wikipedia.org, en.tennistemple.com, canadaviewpoint.com
FAQ
How many Grand Slams did Jimmy Connors win?
8 Grand Slam singles titles: 5 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open. Britannica
What is Jimmy Connors’ height?
5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). L’Équipe
Did Jimmy Connors coach anyone?
Yes, he coached Maria Sharapova and has worked as a commentator. Wikipedia
Why did Jimmy Connors retire?
He retired due to age and declining rankings after a long career. Wikipedia
Who is Jimmy Connors’ wife?
Patti McGuire, married in 1979. Wikipedia
What records does Jimmy Connors hold?
Most singles titles (109), most match wins (1,274), and most consecutive weeks at No. 1 (160). ATP Tour
Is Jimmy Connors still alive?
Yes, as of 2024 he is alive and living in Santa Barbara. Celebrity Net Worth
Arthur Oliver Howard Fletcher is a staff writer for NationalReport.uk, covering UK national news, politics, the economy and public services. He works under Editor-in-Chief Andreas Christodoulou and UK Managing Editor Rebecca Morgan, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.