Jimmy Connors Promotes Memoir With Chris Evert Abortion Hints
Jimmy Connors, the 1970s World No. 1 tennis player, may like to consider himself a maverick, but he may have jumped the shark into just plain tacky territory. Almost 40 years after the 1974 wedding between Connors and women’s former World No. 1 tennis star Chris Evert was broken off without explanation, he finally decided that it might be worth spilling the beans in order to sell his new memoir, The Outsider.
According to reviewers who have seen pre-publication copies, his writing style is more 1930s than 1970s. “An issue had arisen as a result of youthful passion, and a decision had to be made,” he wrote.
Translated into contemporary English, that almost certainly means that the 22-year-old Jimmy had knocked up his 19-year-old bride-to-be. Uh oh.
According to the New York Post, he continued, “Chrissie called to say she was coming out to LA to take care of the ‘issue.’ I was perfectly happy to let nature take its course and accept responsibility for what was to come.”
Sure, you were, buddy. And even if you weren’t, who can prove otherwise 39 years later?
Jimmy Connors went on to say that he made all the arrangements for the abortion at her request — and apparently he’s still bitter about it: “Well, thanks for letting me know. Since I don’t have any say in the matter, then I guess I’m just here to help.”
The two broke up as a result. Connors added that one family probably couldn’t have handled two World No. 1 players anyway. He later went on to marry model Patti McGuire.
So far, Chris Evert hasn’t responded to the story. I for one don’t blame her.
What can you say? If it’s true, it’s sad and awful that Connors would blab something so private to sell a book. If it isn’t true, it’s equally awful that Connors would make it up.
The Outsider is due to be released on May 14, but it’s available for pre-order now. I guess it will be a juicy read, and apparently that’s what really matters to Jimmy Connors.
[Jimmy Connors and Barry Sternlicht photo by Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com]
