Yesterday, on the 17th of March, it was the time to celebrate the green heritage of Ireland. There is a famous saying that one must not forget where it all began. Never forget your roots. Talking about roots, well, there are plenty from the tennis world who have their roots in Ireland. Who are some of those tennis stars? Let’s find out.
Recently, Jimmy Connors shared a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account wishing his fans St. Patrick’s Day. For those who don’t know, St. Patrick’s Day is a very special day for every Irish. It marks a religious and cultural holiday to commemorate the death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. Even Belarusian tennis star Victoria Azarenka was spotted in green, along with her son in Miami.
‘Happy St. Patrick’s Day’- Jimmy Connors wishes his Irish fans on this special day
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The 71-year-old American former world no.1 tennis star has acknowledged his Irish descents several times in the past. He celebrates St. Patrick’s Day every year and here’s what he wrote to his fans this year. “Happy St.Patrick’s Day to all the Irish— and to those who wish they were Irish,” Jimmy Connors on Twitter.
Happy St.Patrick’s Day to all the Irish— and to those who wish they were Irish-☘️☘️☘️- have a great day- don’t drink and drive- just sayin !!!! Corned- Beef- and Cabbage for dinner— you’re missing out- ❤️🙏🏻☘️☘️🎾⛳️🥃
— Jimmy Connors (@JimmyConnors) March 17, 2024
He further added, “Have a great day- don’t drink and drive- just sayin!!!! Corned- Beef- and Cabbage for dinner— you’re missing out.” Even Victoria Azarenka was seen enjoying her time with her son ahead of her Miami Open campaign on St. Patrick’s Day.
Everyone has heard of the fierce rivalry between Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe on the tennis court. But do you know they both have one thing in common? What’s that? Well, both the tennis legends are Irish Americans. Once, during an interview with Inside Tennis magazine, Connors spoke about the real source of their never-give-up attitude on the court.
He stated, “It was natural with myself and Mac. I had to fight. He was trying to take my position away as the best. He was seven years younger. He was American and he’s Irish. I’m Irish. It was natural.” Do you know a tennis star who is a ‘quarter Irish’?
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‘1/4 Irish and proud’ – Eugenie Bouchard
Besides Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe, Canadian tennis beauty, Eugenie Bouchard has also often reflected her pride in having Irish roots. In 2018, she posted a picture of her spending time with her family in Ireland, holding a partly dunk pint of Guinness (a traditional Irish beer) at a wooden bar in a pub.
Bouchard wrote, “Pub in Ireland last year. Visiting family and the beautiful countryside. 1/4 Irish and proud. Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone,” in the captions. Then, last year, she was spotted wearing a green bikini while reclining on a tree.
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She posted that picture on her Instagram account and wrote, “Annual green bikini pic in honor of my fav holiday.” Do you know any other tennis stars of Irish descent?
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