Bjorn Borg’s Return to Tennis: A Look Back
Years after his dramatic exit from the tennis world, Bjorn Borg is poised for a proper farewell. His last departure was far from conventional. For those unfamiliar with one of tennis’s most infamous walk-offs, after Borg lost to John McEnroe in the 1981 U.S. Open final—marking his third consecutive defeat to McEnroe in a Grand Slam final—he swiftly grabbed his bag, made a beeline for the tunnel, and barely paused in the locker room to collect his car keys. He then drove off, leaving spectators bewildered during the trophy presentation as to why the runner-up was missing.
That moment essentially marked the end of his illustrious career, aside from two brief and unsuccessful comeback attempts. Borg, an 11-time Grand Slam champion, never participated in another Grand Slam match and effectively concluded his career. In January 1983, at the mere age of 26, he announced his retirement from tennis. This was after his defeat in the 1981 U.S. Open final (Getty Images).
His short-lived comebacks in the early 1990s were met with little success, and for decades, Borg seemed to vanish from the tennis scene. That is, until seven years ago when he resurfaced as a coach for Team Europe in the Laver Cup, an annual event conceptualized by Roger Federer that aims to mimic the spirit of golf’s Ryder Cup. Perfectly fitting, McEnroe took on the role of coach for Team World.
After this year, Borg and McEnroe will step down from their Laver Cup roles, with Andre Agassi and Yannick Noah set to take their places. As Borg prepares for his final Laver Cup appearance this weekend in Berlin (September 20-22), he felt inspired to share insights into his life after tennis, the evolution of his son Leo into a professional player, and the significance of mingling with some of today’s best players.
“It’s so beautiful,” he expressed during a phone conversation last month while vacationing in Ibiza, a location that seems quintessentially Borg.
The Athletic: Many legendary players from your era transitioned into coaching, yet you never pursued that path, except for your role in the Laver Cup. Why is that?
Borg: Coaching was never my interest. The travel involved was daunting. Sweden even approached me to serve as the Davis Cup captain, but I declined. However, when Roger Federer asked me to coach Team Europe, I recognized the weight of that responsibility. It’s a unique and special event each year.
The Athletic: Why did you choose to retire at such a young age? Were you unhappy? It seems like you were perhaps a precursor to the modern trend of young players leaving the sport.
Borg: I was quite happy as a player, but my motivation waned. Without the drive to practice and compete daily, one loses focus on the necessary dedication. I was content, yet lacked motivation and focus. My brief comebacks were a different experience.
The Athletic: What insights have you gained about the evolution of tennis from your interactions with players during the Laver Cup?
Borg: We share two dinners throughout the week, which is a particularly meaningful time. We bond as a team and they often ask about my experiences during my playing days. I listen to their stories and realize that, at our core, we are all tennis players. The essence of what we do hasn’t changed much.
The Athletic: Yet, the sport itself has transformed, correct?
Borg: Absolutely. Players today hit the ball with incredible force. The physical demands of the game are far more intense now. Additionally, there is a significant media aspect to their careers. They are global icons. Tennis has evolved into one of the world’s most popular sports, and with that comes a hefty responsibility to inspire and promote it. Unlike in football, where players aren’t expected to promote their sport, tennis stars carry that burden. But if we consider their fame, it’s evident they are fulfilling that role remarkably well. They acknowledge that no single player is greater than the sport itself.
The Athletic: From your conversations with the players during those dinners, what do you perceive as the most notable difference between their lives and yours?
Borg: They have extensive teams supporting them, providing incredible assistance. While I managed relatively well, I lacked that kind of support network. I was among the first to travel with a coach, but today, every player has a coach, a physiotherapist, and various other staff. Tennis is a demanding sport that can feel isolating, so having that support is vital.
The Athletic: Are you looking forward to your role as Team Europe coach, providing that kind of support?
Borg: I’m excited about the talented players in Berlin. I want to win; it’s my final year. After losing the last two years, I’m eager for victory, but Team World is formidable. John McEnroe is my friend, but he’s also determined to win. Our competitive spirit remains strong. Our rivalry was intense, and seeing him now is heartening. We stay in touch, but meeting face-to-face is special.
The Athletic: Did his on-court behavior ever trouble you?
Borg: When we faced off, he was generally respectful. In retrospect, he never crossed lines with me. We held mutual respect for each other both on and off the court.
The Athletic: Is there a modern player you feel resembles you?
Borg: Growing up on clay, I see a lot of myself in Rafael Nadal. Watching him dominate on clay courts is magnificent; he’s nothing short of phenomenal. I relate to how adeptly he maneuvers opponents around the court.
The Athletic: Chris Evert mentioned she was intimidated to speak with you during your playing days due to your reserved demeanor, yet now you’re quite talkative. Have you changed?
Borg: Chris is a close friend. We were both leading figures who elevated tennis to new heights. I take pride in having contributed to that. The subsequent generations, including Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and the Williams sisters, have continued that legacy. We were there to set the stage.
The Athletic: Your son Leo is pursuing a professional tennis career. Are you involved in his coaching?
Borg: I support him, but I don’t coach him. He knows he can reach out to me anytime. He has a solid team backing him. Living in Stockholm, we often connect and discuss his journey.
The Athletic: Is watching him play more nerve-wracking than being on the court yourself?
Borg: Ask any parent, and they’ll agree. Watching your child compete is far more stressful. I closely follow his matches, and I know he feels immense pressure. As a parent, it’s challenging because you have no control over the outcome. When you’re on the court, you have some agency. In a way, watching from the couch is easier than being present.
The Athletic: It seems Christian Ruud and Casper have a strong coach-player dynamic, and he doesn’t appear very anxious. Are you certain you don’t want to give coaching a shot?
Borg: The Ruuds are dear friends of mine. Trust me, Christian gets nervous too.
(Top photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
