Jimmy Connors was never the type to just fade into a quiet retirement. If you remember him from the 70s or 80s, you know the vibe: the bowl cut, the T2000 steel racket, and that "me against the world" snarl. He didn't just play tennis; he turned it into a street fight.
Fast forward to 2026. People are still asking, "Where is Jimmy Connors now?" Honestly, he isn't hiding. While some legends disappear into private islands, Connors is arguably more vocal today than he was a decade ago. At 73, he has traded the baseline for a microphone, but that same "Jimbo" edge is still very much intact.
The Santa Barbara Life and the Family Ranch
For a long time, the answer to his whereabouts was simple: the ranch. Connors has lived in Santa Barbara, California, for decades. He moved there back in the 90s after retiring from the regular tour to actually be a present father to his kids, Brett and Aubree. He famously told The Guardian years ago that he was tired of being away 42 weeks a year. He wanted to see his kids grow up, and by all accounts, he did exactly that.
He’s still there, living with his wife, Patti Connors (the former Playboy Playmate he married in 1978). They’ve navigated a lot together, including Patti’s health battles and the transition from being the most famous athlete on earth to a guy walking his dogs in the California sun. Speaking of dogs, he’s a massive animal lover. You’ll often find him posting about his Golden Retriever, Isabella, who has basically become a secondary star on his social media.
Advantage Connors: The Podcast Era
If you want to know what Jimmy is thinking right now, you don't have to wait for a rare TV interview. He’s doing it himself. Since 2020, he has been hosting the Advantage Connors podcast alongside his son, Brett Connors.
It’s not some polished, corporate production. It’s basically a father and son sitting down to talk about tennis, gambling, and whatever else is on their minds. As of January 2026, they are officially in Season 7.
On the show, Jimmy doesn't hold back. He’s been weighing in on the current dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, often noting that while they are "head and shoulders" above the rest of the ATP field, he still sees flaws in their games that he’d love to exploit if he were 50 years younger. He’s also been a staunch supporter of Novak Djokovic, frequently defending the Serb’s right to play and compete on his own terms.
Recently, the podcast took a more personal turn when his daughter, Aubree, made a debut appearance for a Thanksgiving special. It’s a side of Jimmy we didn't see during his playing days—the family man who is genuinely proud of his kids' independent successes. Aubree is a competitive ballroom dancer and fitness instructor, while Brett has carved out a serious career as an Emmy-winning producer for the Tennis Channel.
Is He Still Involved in Tennis?
Jimmy isn't coaching on the tour anymore. His stints with Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova are long in the past. But he hasn't abandoned the court. In late 2025, he was seen hosting Fantasy Camps at The Boca Raton in Florida. It’s a chance for people with deep pockets to actually hit balls with a guy who won 109 ATP titles.
He also remains a fixture in the record books, though the "Big Three" have been chipping away at his legacy for years. While Federer and Djokovic passed some of his milestones, Connors still holds the record for the most matches played (1,557) and most match wins (1,274) in the Open Era. He’s proud of those numbers. He should be. They represent a level of longevity and "showing up" that is almost unheard of in modern sports.
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Misconceptions and Recent News
You might see some confusing headlines if you search for his name today. To be clear:
- The "Mayor" Jimmy Connors: There was a former Mayor of Scranton named Jimmy Connors who passed away in 2024. That was not the tennis star.
- The Legal News: In early 2026, headlines appeared regarding a "Jimmy Connors" pleading guilty in a fatal car crash in Manhattan. This is an 18-year-old individual from Syosset, New York, not the 73-year-old tennis legend.
The real Jimmy Connors is healthy, active, and still stirring the pot. He’s also been vocal about the "decline" of American men’s tennis, often pushing for more "personality" and "fight" in the younger generation. He wants to see someone play with the same chip on their shoulder that he had.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Jimmy is bitter about the modern game. He’s actually not. He’s a fan. But he’s a fan with standards. He hates seeing players "give up too easily" or lack a pre-match routine that screams "I'm here to win." He recently criticized Alcaraz’s attitude in a major final, not because he dislikes the kid, but because he expects more from someone with that much talent.
Basically, Jimmy Connors is exactly where he’s always been: in your face, whether you like it or not. He’s just doing it from a podcast studio or a luxury resort in Boca instead of the center court at Flushing Meadows.
How to keep up with Jimmy in 2026:
- Listen to the Podcast: Search for Advantage Connors on Apple or Spotify. It drops weekly.
- Check Social Media: Follow @JimmyConnors on X (formerly Twitter). He’s surprisingly active and usually tweets about tennis results or his dog.
- Watch the Classics: If you're tired of the baseline grinds of today, go back and watch his 1991 US Open run. It’s still the gold standard for sports drama.
Jimmy isn't a "where are they now" story in the sense that he's gone. He's just evolved. He's the elder statesman who refuses to act like an elder. He still has the swagger, still has the voice, and still has the opinions that make people stop and listen. That’s just Jimbo.