Jimmy Connors is a sports legend, having played professional tennis for 33 years and winning eight Grand Slam titles. He is a celebrated and iconic figure in the world of sports. That he could turn his life story into a memoir is a gift to avid readers who, even if they aren’t interested in tennis, can appreciate this extraordinary story. “The Outsider,” published in 2013, is the oftentimes-insightful, sometimes-heartrending tale of a man who was always an underdog and turned his adversity into success.
The Outsider starts off with a look into Jimmy Connors' upbringing, detailing life in a small, blue-collar town where his father was a barber, and exposing the volatile, at times abusive, relationship between his parents. He paints a vivid picture of his childhood and paints himself as the outcast and the underdog—the “outsider” of the memoir’s title.
Jimmy Connors goes on to recall his earliest days on the tennis court, where insecurities and his penchant for pushing himself too hard surfaced. His early years as an amateur player were a struggle—until he caught his break with legendary tennis coach Pancho Segura, who molded him into a number one-ranked player.
“The Outsider” then takes readers through the peak of Connors’ career, from his 1973 Wimbledon win to his 1975 second-place finish in the U.S. Open. As exciting as these moments are, Connors is honest about the lows that came afterwards, admitting to periods of substance abuse and depression. Most of all, there’s an honesty to his own failings and his constant battles with the people he distrusts, such as the press and the International Tennis Federation.
Eventually, Connors finds success, satisfaction, and even redemption in coaching. He remembers his time spent coaching fellow tennis legend Andy Roddick, sharing anecdotes and lessons learned along the way. Finally, Jimmy Connors shares his own thoughts on parenthood and the inevitable transformation he has gone through since his historic win back in 1973.
What is endearing and amazing about “The Outsider” is that, although it is a memoir, it is also a story about human resilience and perseverance. Told through the eyes of one of sports’ great champions, this book details his struggles and his triumphs. Do not let the fact that it is about tennis put you off—“The Outsider” is truly a remarkable story about overcoming challenges and about pushing through adversity.
