"I was out of control, $1 million bet should've been big-a** hint" - When Jimmy Connors felt 'ultimate gambler's high' from bet vs Martina Navratilova

Jimmy Connors once opened up about his gambling issues, revealing how they were at the forefront of his blockbuster clash with Martina Navratilova. The duo locked horns in the highly anticipated third edition of the 'Battle of the Sexes' at Caesars Palace, Nevada, in 1992.

To create a more level playing field for the clash, called the 'Battle of the Champions,' special rules were put in place, with 40-year-old Connors being allowed only one serve and 35-year-old Navratilova being permitted to use half the doubles alley.

Despite the constraints, Jimmy Connors remained confident in his ability to demolish the 18-time Grand Slam champion. In his autobiography 'The Outsider,' Connors revealed that he had bet $1 million on himself to beat Martina Navratilova in straight sets without dropping more than eight games.

However, Navratilova immediately put the former World No. 1 under pressure, rushing away to a 3-1 lead. Connors managed to regain control of the match and eventually secured a 7-5, 6-2 victory, ensuring he didn't suffer a $1 million loss.

Jimmy Connors disclosed that betting on himself gave himself the "ultimate gambler's high," but admitted it was a clear sign that his gambling issues had spiraled "out of control."

"Betting on myself was the ultimate gambler’s high. I was out of control, and I didn’t realize it, though that ($1 million) bet should have been a big-a**ed hint," he said.

In a 2013 interview with ESPN, Connors confessed that he didn't feel nauseous at the thought of losing $1 million, as he was chasing the "daily thrill" he used to experience as a professional tennis player.

"No, but that's the feeling I was looking for. I was trying to find that daily thrill, especially after I quit playing, even if it was just three seconds. And then it doesn't always happen. So then you just chase more. ... Whether it was watching a basketball game or a football game, or (playing) cards or rolling dice or whatever," Connors said.

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"I don't see the point; it is just both of them making a lot of money" - John McEnroe on Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova's 'Battle of the Sexes' clash

Martina Navratilova (Source: Getty)

Despite the anticipation for Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova's 'Battle of the Sexes' clash, John McEnroe revealed that he couldn't understand its purpose. Speaking to the press at the 1992 US Open, McEnroe opined that the clash seemed designed primarily to generate significant money for both participants.

"It is total entertainment. I don't know what it proves. I mean, I don't see the point. I mean, it is just both of them making a lot of money. I don't think there is any doubt about that," McEnroe said.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion also asserted that he didn't see any realistic scenario where Navratilova could win, suggesting that even if she did, it would only have been due to the altered rules hindering Connors.

"But if people want to watch it and if they are entertained by it, then -- and they feel like they get their money's worth, that is a different thing, but I mean if Connors wins 2 and 2 or 3 and 3, I do not think," he said.

"I do not see any chance that she (Martina Navratilova) is going to win, and even if -- even if she did, it would be like he gets one serve and she gets more, like the alleys, I don't understand," he added.

The event was indeed financially rewarding for both Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova, as they each received $650,000 for their participation, with Connors earning an additional $500,000 for his victory.