Early Life and Education of Jimmy Connors: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jimmy Connors. From birth to education, explore key events.

Jimmy Connors, an American former professional tennis player, achieved the world No. 1 ranking by the ATP for 268 weeks, finishing as the year-end No. 1 five times. Connors holds Open Era men's singles records for titles (109), matches played (1,557), and match wins (1,274). His accomplishments include eight major singles titles and three year-end championships. In 1974, he won three major titles but was barred from competing in the French Open. Connors retired from professional tennis in 1996.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

September 2, 1952: Birth of Jimmy Connors

On September 2, 1952, James Scott Connors, later known as Jimmy Connors, was born. He would become a prominent American tennis player.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Coaching by Pancho Segura

In 1968, at age 16, Jimmy Connors's mother took him to Southern California to be coached by Pancho Segura, while she continued to act as his coach and manager.

November 1975: Dropping Riordan and Lawsuits

In November 1975, Jimmy Connors dropped Riordan and the lawsuits against the ATP and Arthur Ashe.

1975: Engagement Broken Off

In 1975, Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert's engagement was broken off shortly before the Wimbledon championship.

1979: Connors Married Patti McGuire

In 1979, Jimmy Connors married Playboy model Patti McGuire. They have two children.

1995: Alystra Casino Opened

In 1995, John Connors opened the Alystra Casino in Henderson, Nevada, with plans to include a Jimmy Connors theme area.

1998: Alystra Casino Closed

In 1998, the Alystra Casino, owned by John Connors, closed, and was subsequently stripped of its copper piping by thieves.

2000: Declining Millennium Gathering

In 2000, Jimmy Connors also declined to join a gathering of 58 former champions held to mark the millennium.

October 2005: Hip-Replacement Surgery

In October 2005, Jimmy Connors underwent hip-replacement surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

January 8, 2007: Death of Gloria Connors

On January 8, 2007, Jimmy Connors' mother, Gloria, who was also his teaching-pro, died at age 82.

May 2008: Alystra Casino Destroyed in Fire

In May 2008, the Alystra Casino, which had been owned by Jimmy Connors through his company Smooth Swing, was destroyed in a fire. The casino had been closed for some time and never reopened under Connors' ownership.

November 21, 2008: Arrested Outside Basketball Game

On November 21, 2008, Jimmy Connors was arrested outside an NCAA basketball game between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of California at Santa Barbara after refusing to comply with an order to leave an area near the entrance to the stadium.