Nesmith Library

The outsider, a memoir, Jimmy Connors

eng

autobiography

illustrationsplates

index present

non fiction

The outsider

Jimmy Connors

a memoir

A no-holds-barred memoir by the original bad boy of tennis. Jimmy Connors ignited the tennis boom in the 1970s with his aggressive style of play, turning his matches with John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, and Ivan Lendl into prizefights. But it was his prolonged dedication to his craft that won him the public's adoration. He capped off one of the most remarkable runs in tennis history at the age of 39 when he reached the semifinals of the 1991 U.S. Open, competing against players half his age. Here is the uncensored account of Connors' life, from his complicated relationship with his formidable mother and his storybook romance with tennis legend Chris Evert, to his battles with gambling and fidelity that threatened to derail his career and his long-lasting marriage to Playboy playmate Patti McGuire. When he retired twenty years ago, Connors all but disappeared from public view--but here he is, as feisty, outspoken, and defiant as ever.--From publisher description

Out of the shadows -- Shaping an attitude -- Nothing would ever be the same again -- Lose like a man, win like a man -- The main locker room -- Nasty entertainment -- Love game -- Twin peaks -- Battle of the balls -- No one's cup of tea -- The point's not over 'til it's over -- Meeting my match -- Björn again -- Back from the dead -- Cracks in the foundation -- House divided -- Road warrior -- Torment -- Resurrection -- Not dogging it -- A friend remembered -- Open heart -- My visit to the Big House -- Passion play