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Jimmy Connors takes on Krickstein in reunion exhibition; says he's done playing in public

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Jimmy Connors talks to the media during a press conference in Boca Raton, Fla., Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015. Connors changed tennis' country-club image, but he is back in a genteel, exclusive setting Tuesday for a private exhibition against Aaron Krickstein, his opponent in a memorable match at the U.S. Open more than 23 years ago. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter) (The Associated Press)

Jimmy Connors talks to the media during a press conference in Boca Raton, Fla., Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015. Connors changed tennis' country-club image, but he is back in a genteel, exclusive setting Tuesday for a private exhibition against Aaron Krickstein, his opponent in a memorable match at the U.S. Open more than 23 years ago. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter) (The Associated Press)

More than 20 years after Jimmy Connors left the tennis tour, he's finally announcing his retirement.

Ahead of a reunion exhibition match against Aaron Krickstein on Tuesday, the 62-year-old Connors said the match would be his last in public because health issues make it difficult for him to play competitively.

Connors has undergone three hip replacements. It's been a few years since his most recent match in public.

The private exhibition against Krickstein was billed as a reunion match of their famous 1991 meeting at the U.S. Open. Connors rallied to win a five-setter on Labor Day on his 39th birthday.