The 20th century was a period of many renowned sporting stars and personalities. From the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Billie Jean King to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor, it was indeed a golden century of artists. Among them was the legendary boxing star, Muhammad Ali. He left a great impact on the world, in general, through his achievements and personality. Recently, American tennis legend, Jimmy Connors, revealed how Ali was a standout for him.

Connors himself left a big impact on the tennis world. He dominated the tennis world during the 80s and the early 90s. Here’s how Ali left a profound impact on Connors.

Jimmy Connors hails Muhammad Ali

Recently, the 71-year-old tennis legend was involved in the new episode of his Advantage Connors podcast. During the episode, Connors, along with his son Brett, discussed Holger Rune’s split with Boris Becker and other events in the tennis world. Further, the tennis icon was asked about the one celebrity that made him nervous before the meeting.

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Replying to this question, Connors said, “Oh, boy. Hmm, that’s a good one. I’ve been very lucky and you know, because I come from the 60s in the 70s. Were going back in you know.”

Further, he went on to add, “As I say many times I’m old school so, you know having an opportunity to meet Frank Sinatra or Elizabeth Taylor, our Joe Montana or Wayne Gretzky, or Muhammad Ali, you know, in sports and in music.”

Although Connors expressed his nervousness meeting Ali, the legendary tennis star often went to witness Ali’s iconic fights. Additionally, Connors even broke Ali’s record once.

When Ali’s unbeatable record was broken by Connors

Last year, LA Lakers governor, Jeanie Buss, highlighted how Ali’s record was broken by a match involving Connors and John McEnroe. The tennis match recorded massive ticket sales that went past the record held by Ali’s boxing fight.

She said, “Finally, in March 1984, we sold out the forum. And set the gross gain in ticket sales record that was held at the forum and the original record was for a Muhammad Ali fight in the ’70s.”

Nonetheless, Ali remains one of the most influential personalities in the sporting world. Not only in the boxing ring, Ali influenced the world with his off-the-ring activities like charities and other noble deeds.

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