Jimmy Connors

The winner of eight Grand Slam singles titles, Jimmy Connors is a former World No.1 tennis player who held the No. 1 ranking for 160 consecutive weeks from 29 July, 1974 to 22 August, 1977—a record in his era. A brilliant player, he also holds the honor of being the first male player in the Open Era to have held the top world ranking for more than five years in total. An athletic kid from a young age, Jimmy always loved to play tennis. His mother, a former tennis player herself, was a big support to him during his growing years. In fact, his mother was such a fan of tennis that she created a court in her backyard while she was pregnant with him! She taught him how to play tennis when he was a young boy and ensured that he got the best possible coaching as he grew up. He started competing at the national level as a kid of nine, and went from success to success from there. Famous for his strong arms, high energy, and dedication towards the game, he was equally notorious for his fiery demeanor and temper. After his retirement as an active tennis player he embarked on a career as a commentator and coach.