"I don't owe tennis anything" - Jimmy Connors cites Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic's examples to make his stance towards the game clear

Jimmy Connors has cited Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's examples to say that he does not owe anything to tennis.

Since turning professional in 1972, Connors went on to become one of the most successful players in the history of men's tennis. The American amassed a staggering 109 titles, including 8 Majors. He also holds the records for most matches played (1,557) and most wins (1,274).

Connors was also a part of some of the most iconic rivalries in men's tennis. His rivalry with compatriot John McEnroe yielded numerous memorable matches. Injury struggles marked the American's later years on the ATP Tour, and he eventually called time on his career in 1996, aged 43.

During a recent episode of the 'Advantage Connors' podcast, Connors shared two of his major takeaways from his illustrious career with his son Brett. According to the eight-time Grand Slam winner, he does not owe anything to tennis and vice versa.

"Listen, I played for over 20 years and I realized two things; one, the game doesn't owe me anything, and two, I don't owe the game [tennis] anything, and I don't say that disrespectfully because I gave the game everything every time I walked out there," Connors said (at 8:42).

The 71-year-old also spoke about how the sport benefited him, just like it has benefited the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

"Federer and Nadal and Djokovic and Murray, and now the guys that are taking over, we benefit from the game. Of course we do. I made a living off of it and I have a great life off of it, but that doesn't mean that because I did that, they owe me anything," Connors continued.

Jimmy Connors refused to be defined by tennis during his stellar career

Jimmy Connors at the 2012 US Open

In December 2023, Jimmy Connors said that despite his long and glorious association with tennis, he never let the sport define him.

"I love playing (tennis), I still love playing, I still love the game and that.. but tennis didn't define me," the 71-year-old said on a previous episode of the Advantage Connors podcast.

Connors went on to say that he would never feel awkward about taking a step back from the sport, even if it meant anonymity.

"I was also okay with pulling back and feeling that, if I wasn't around tennis, nobody would know me. I was actually okay with that," he added.