Tennis champion Bjorn Borg came near to death post his career and discusses his cancer diagnosis openly.
In a revealing confession, 11-time Grand Slam champion Bjorn Borg has opened up about his struggles off the court in his new autobiography, "Heartbeats: A Memoir." The Swedish tennis legend, who retired from the sport at the tender age of 26 in 1983, has been diagnosed with 'extremely aggressive' prostate cancer.
Borg, who reached four US Open finals and delivered more French Open success in 1980 and 1981, admitted to using drugs, pills, and alcohol to escape reality after his retirement. He felt ashamed and embarrassed about his actions, confessing that he came close to dying due to his excessive consumption.
Despite the setbacks, Borg has shown remarkable resilience. He underwent an unspecified cancer treatment in 2021 to fight the aggressive disease, but the exact type of treatment remains undisclosed in the available sources. Borg is currently in remission following an operation last year.
His doctor has informed him that he has sleeping cancer cells that will require future fights. Borg gets tested every six months to monitor his condition, with his last test two weeks prior to this interview.
Borg's retirement from tennis was not due to his health issues but rather a loss of interest and motivation. He made a brief return to the sport from 1991 to 1993, but unfortunately, he did not win a single match on his comeback tour.
Borg's absence from the court did not diminish the iconic rivalry he shared with American legend John McEnroe. The pair had four Grand Slam final clashes, with Borg and McEnroe winning seven matches each against each other on the tour.
Borg made one appearance at the Australian Open in 1974, but his most successful Grand Slam performances came at the French Open and Wimbledon. His victories at these tournaments earned him the title of world no. 1.
Borg's retirement marked the end of an era in tennis. However, his battles off the court and his recent health struggles serve as a testament to his indomitable spirit. Despite the challenges, Borg continues to fight, inspiring many with his resilience and determination.
