Jimmy Connors reveals cancer diagnosis as tennis icon gives encouraging health update
Tennis legend Jimmy Connors has revealed he had a “cancer on his ear” but also issued a more positive health update.
Connors is one of the greats of the sport, winning eight Grand Slams in singles; he was No 1 for 268 weeks (the fifth-most of all time), and he holds the record for the most singles titles in the men’s game at 109.
The 74-year-old finished as the year-end No 1 on five occasions and holds the Open Era men’s record of 1,557 matches and 1,274 match wins.
The former world No 1, who had a 24-year-long playing career between 1972 and 1996, has decided to largely step away from the limelight in recent years, although he still co-hosts his tennis podcast, ‘Advantage Connors’.
On the latest episode with his son Brett, the two-time Grand Slam doubles champion explained how he had had an issue with his ear.
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Connors revealed he has one more surgery soon, as they “rebuild” his ear, and stressed the importance of using sunscreen.
He said on Advantage Connors, “The ear. Can you see? The recovery. It’s in progress. It’s been six weeks. I had a cancer on my ear. Use your sunscreen.
“Do yourself a favour, and don’t go through this. It’s been six weeks, and they are rebuilding my ear. I’ll show you the finished product when it comes down to it, but she is amazing. She took care of me. Everything’s good.
“It’s going in the right direction. I got one more surgery coming up next week. I’ll show you the finished product. Use your sunscreen. Don’t get that. Take care of yourself.”
Aside from his playing career, Connors coached former US Open champion Andy Roddick between 2006 and 2008, as well as briefly working with six-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova in 2013.
When Connors retired 30 years ago, he chalked up an impressive win percentage of 81.8, and to this day, he holds the Open Era joint-record of five US Opens, alongside Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.
The American was able to keep Federer at bay when it came to titles won, with the Swiss retiring on 103. Novak Djokovic, who is still going strong at 39, is one back on 102.
