Before he turned 21, Bjorn Rune Borg had already established himself as one of the tennis greats. The head-banded, golden-locked Swede dazzled the tennis world with his precocious achievements. Borg’s journey to stardom began just before his 18th birthday when he became the youngest winner of the Italian Championship. Shortly after, he won the French Open, becoming the youngest champion until Mats Wilander and Michael Chang broke his record. Borg’s early success was a sign of his immense potential and determination.
Davis Cup Victory
At just 19, Borg led Sweden to its first Davis Cup victory in 1975, ending a 33-match singles winning streak. His dominant performances against Jiri Hrebec and Jan Kodes, combined with his doubles win with Ove Bengtson, secured the historic victory. Borg’s Davis Cup debut at 16 was also remarkable, with a five-set triumph over seasoned pro Onny Parun of New Zealand. His commitment to his national team and his exceptional performances cemented his status as a tennis prodigy.
Unique Style
Borg’s distinctive and unorthodox style set him apart from his contemporaries. His muscular shoulders and well-developed torso allowed him to generate heavy topspin on both his forehand and backhand. His two-handed backhand, inspired by his love for hockey, became a signature move. Despite his rough-looking strokes, Borg’s game was highly effective. By 13, he was defeating Sweden’s top under-18 players, and his unorthodox style was protected by Davis Cup captain Lennart Bergelin.
Early Beginnings
Born on June 6, 1956, in Stockholm, Sweden, Borg’s fascination with tennis began when his father gave him a racket won in a ping-pong tournament. Borg preferred baseline battles, trading groundstrokes tirelessly and waiting patiently to outlast his opponents. Initially, his serve and volleying skills were unimpressive. However, in 1976, determined to win Wimbledon, Borg dedicated himself to practicing serve-and-volley tactics. His efforts paid off as he won Wimbledon without losing a set, defeating Ilie Nastase in the final.
Wimbledon Success
Borg’s success at Wimbledon continued in 1977, with thrilling five-set victories over Vitas Gerulaitis in the semi-finals and Jimmy Connors in the final. By then, Borg had improved his volleying skills and confidence. He defeated Connors again in 1978, becoming the first player since Fred Perry to win three consecutive titles. Borg’s fourth consecutive Wimbledon title came in 1979 with a victory over Roscoe Tanner, matching Tony Wilding’s record. His fifth straight championship in 1980, featuring an epic final against John McEnroe, is considered one of the greatest matches in tennis history.
French Open Dominance
In 1981, Borg won his record sixth French Open title, extending his match-winning streak to 28. His victory over Ivan Lendl demonstrated his continued dominance on clay courts. Despite his success, Borg’s career came to an abrupt end. McEnroe dethroned him at Wimbledon and later defeated him in the US Open final, taking over the No. 1 ranking. Borg’s loss to McEnroe marked the end of his professional career, with only two more matches played before his retirement.
Legendary Achievements
Borg’s career achievements are legendary. He won 62 singles titles, including four pro career doubles titles and the Masters in 1979 and 1980. His career earnings totaled $3,655,751. Borg was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987, solidifying his place among tennis legends. Despite unsuccessful comeback attempts in the early 1990s, Borg’s contributions to tennis remained significant.
Comeback Attempts
Borg’s attempts to return to competitive tennis in 1991, 1992, and 1993 were unsuccessful. The balletic footwork and anticipation that characterized his game were elusive. Borg lost eight first-round matches in 1992 and three in 1993. His final professional match, at the Kremlin Cup, saw him hold a match point before losing to Alexander Volkov. Following his retirement from competitive play, Borg participated in senior events, rekindling his rivalry with Jimmy Connors.
US Open Challenges
The US Open was a particular challenge for Borg, who never won the tournament despite reaching four finals. He lost twice to Connors in 1976 and 1978 and twice to McEnroe in 1980 and 1981. Borg’s career singles win-loss record of 606-123 (.831) reflects his dominance and consistency. Despite his struggles at the US Open, Borg’s legacy as one of the greatest tennis players remains undisputed.
Lasting Legacy
Bjorn Borg’s career was brief but incredibly impactful. His early successes, unique playing style, and dominance at Wimbledon and the French Open set him apart as a tennis legend. Despite his premature retirement and struggles with comebacks, Borg’s contributions to the sport are enduring. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of tennis players, cementing his place in the annals of tennis history.