Jimmy Connors, the former world No.1 tennis player, has been married to Patti McGuire for 45 years and has two children.
The couple has stood the test of time, spending over four decades together and raising a wonderful family of four.
Throughout the years, Jimmy has always taken the opportunity to acknowledge his wife and family publicly.
Although Jimmy was a well-known public figure, Patti matched his fame, as she was widely admired as a model.
Jimmy and Patti embodied what the modern age would call a power couple—two incredibly successful and admired individuals who captivated fans with their talent and charm.
Jimmy Connors Was Engaged Twice Before His Relationship With Patti McGuire
Before marrying Patti, Jimmy was engaged to fellow tennis player Chris Evert from 1974 to 1975, and they were known as the golden couple of tennis.
They ultimately called off the wedding in the mid-1970s, though they never publicly disclosed the reason.
However, years later, in his 2013 autobiography, Connors hinted that his relationship with Chris Evert might have ended partly due to her decision to terminate a pregnancy with his child.
Following that, Miss World Marjorie Wallace and the eight-time Grand Slam champion became engaged, but they also called off their engagement.
After that, Jimmy became acquainted with his now-wife, Patti, and perhaps the third time truly was the charm for him.
Jimmy Connors first met his wife, Patti, during his visit to Hugh Hefner’s mansion, after which they began dating.
The couple married on October 2, 1979. They had two children, Brett and daughter Aubree.
Easter with the beautiful @PattiConnors pic.twitter.com/LJF2UuPfRI
— Jimmy Connors (@JimmyConnors) April 1, 2013
The tennis star often shares intimate moments with his wife and family on social media, showcasing their strong bond and love for one another.
The couple has been exceptional parents to their children. Jimmy even shared what Patti once told him, which he considers the best advice on parenting, during an episode of the Advantage Connors podcast with his son.
In the episode, he mentioned how his children became overjoyed when he came home and would often want to abandon their daily activities and skip school. Then, his wife said to him,
Your mom looked at me and said ‘listen you’re not coming home as a visitor you gotta come home and pitch in because we have a schedule
He claims this experience made him realize his full commitment to parenting and taught him about family values.
Patti Connors Bravely Fought Cancer Twice In 1992 and 2018
In her prime, Patti McGuire was a top fashion model and actress, working at the Playboy Club in St. Louis.
Her marriage with Jimmy sometimes seems to overshadow her own accomplishments, but she was huge in her realm at the time.
However, she has also enjoyed a successful marriage with Jimmy, which is an achievement in its own right.
In 1992, doctors diagnosed the former Playboy model with breast cancer, and she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Unfortunately, doctors diagnosed Patti with cancer again in 2018, and she received chemotherapy.
During this difficult time, Jimmy made sure to be there for his wife, encouraging her. He even shared about it, writing,
Worst 4 words I’ve heard- Patti has cancer again!!— best 4 words I’ve heard/ Patti is cancer free — starting day 2 cancer free— she is strong mentally and physically— onwards!!!!!
— Jimmy Connors (@JimmyConnors) August 28, 2018
Reports indicate that she is in stable condition right now, although she has not shared much information.
Moreover, the couple has been enjoying every day despite tough days and continues sharing love and happiness.
On June 20, 2023, Jimmy shared a beautiful moment with Patti cooking in the kitchen, which showed how much they simply enjoyed being together.
Cooking in Connors Kitchen— beef stew with a pot full of everything— isn’t my chef just the most beautiful— I’ll let you know how it turned out— mmmmm —- mmmmm – good… pic.twitter.com/KV1ES0wBr5
— Jimmy Connors (@JimmyConnors) June 19, 2023
Over the years, the couple has faced many tough times but has endured and remained strong together.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jimmy Connors still holds three prominent Open Era men’s singles records to date.
- Connors started playing tennis in grade school when he attended St. Phillip’s grade school and won the Junior Orange Bowl.
- After officially retiring from playing in 1996, he started coaching in 2006 with tennis player Andy Roddick.
