In his memoir, Tennis Legend Jimmy Connors suggests that an abortion ended his engagement with six-time U.S. open champion Chris Evert, according to the Daily Mail.
In 1974, the two stars won their respective Wimbledon titles. That year they were supposed to get married. However, Connors—a five time U.S. Open champion—writes in his memoir, “The Outsider”, about an incident that occurred a few weeks before the pending nuptials:
“An issue had arisen as a result of youthful passion, and a decision had to be made as a couple. 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.”
At the time of incident Connors was 22-years old and Evert was 19-years old. Evert was brought up as a Catholic. However, Connors writes that the decision was hers.
“Chrissie, however, had already made up her mind that the timing was bad and too much was riding on her future. She asked me to handle the details.”
Connors responded:
“Well thanks for letting me know. Since I don’t have any say in the matter, then I guess I am just here to help.”
After the incident Connors understood the engagement was no longer an option:
“It was a horrible feeling, but I knew it was over. Getting married wasn't going to be good for either of us.”
Evert’s response to Connors’ decision was simply:
“OK if that's what you think. I've got a match tomorrow. Not a problem.”
Connors goes on to say their careers and aspirations would have gotten in the way of successful marriage.
“It kept going back to the same old question: Can two number ones exist in the same family?'” Connors wrote.
Evert has not commented on the alleged situation. In his book, Connors also talks about his biggest matches, his battle with dyslexia, and his gambling addiction. He even talks about his infidelity that almost ended his marriage with former Playboy Bunny Patti McGuire.
