Jimmy Connors Recalled His Father’s Last Wish in His Autobiography: ‘Not To Come Back for the Funeral…’

Jimmy Connors is one of those names who has contributed a lot to the sport, along with his rivals, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. They made the 80s and the 90s tennis era memorable. However, there was a time when the tennis star wanted to leave everything and run to his father. 

The tennis star’s father was one of his greatest supporters who helped him reach the status that he enjoys today. In his memoir, the eight-time Grand Slam champion revealed what his father said to his mother about him before his demise, which shattered Connors’ whole world. 

Jimmy Connor recalls his late father’s last words

The American tennis legend knew his father was struggling with his health and things can change anytime, but he never thought that he’d leave soon without saying goodbye for the last time. 1977 was a tough year for him.  

At the time of his father’s passing in 1977, the former world number one was getting ready for the French Open and Wimbledon. He was in Europe when he got a call from his mother and she said, “Pop’s passed, Jimmy. It was peaceful.” Connors was shattered and wanted to run home. 

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He said, “I’m coming home, Mom. Tomorrow. First flight I can get.” But his mother stopped him and said that his father wanted him to finish the tournament and not come to his funeral.

She said, “No, you’re not. Pop made me promise to say this before he left us. He said, ‘Tell Jimmy not to come back for the funeral. I don’t want him interrupting what he’s doing just for me. Promise me you won’t let him, Glo. That’s exactly what he told me, and that is what’s going to happen.” His mother further assured him that she will take care of everything and wanted the former world number one to fulfill his father’s last wish. 

Jimmy Connors fulfilled his father’s last wish

As Connors’ father wanted him to play, the eight-time Grand Slam champion soldiered on in the 1977 Wimbledon Championships. Despite making it to the final, he lost to Bjorn Borg, one of his arch-rivals, in a five-set match. For the young, 21-year-old Borg, this was the one of the biggest wins of his career at the time.

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Connors released his memoir in 2013, and it was immediately received with heavy criticism, especially due to his revelations about his relationship with Chris Evert. However, him recounting the untimely demise of his father was certainly a moment that showed another side of the 8-time Grand Slam champion.