Bjorn Borg Opens Up About Dark Times in New Autobiography

Bjorn Borg, the legendary Swedish tennis player known for his remarkable achievements, has described the release of his long-awaited autobiography, Heartbeats, as both a relief and a significant release of burdens he has carried. Borg, who secured 11 Grand Slam titles during his illustrious career in the 1970s and early 1980s, delves deep into the struggles he faced following his retirement at the young age of 25.

In Heartbeats, Borg not only recounts his storied on-court successes, including the iconic 1980 Wimbledon final against John McEnroe, but also shares the personal battles that ensued. These include struggles with substance abuse, a turbulent personal life, and business setbacks that marked the years after his tennis career ended. The autobiography begins with a harrowing account of a drug-related collapse in the mid-1990s, setting the stage for a candid exploration of his life.

Borg’s Candid Reflections on Substance Abuse

“No more secrets,” Borg stated in an interview with the PA news agency. “I’m a very secret person. I’ve always been that way, maybe because of my childhood. But I told everything.” At 69, Borg reflects on the “dark years” that followed his retirement and expresses regret over his choices during that time.

“I don’t understand how I could take those decisions,” he admitted, acknowledging that he turned to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to escape reality. “I took more drugs, pills, or alcohol to escape from reality. It was easy to disappear and not think about the problems.” He described the years of substance abuse as “stupid,” recognizing their destructive potential.

Despite the challenges, Borg found the courage to seek help in 1989. “If I don’t take that decision, we should not be talking here today,” he reflected. “I wanted to survive; I was in bad shape, but I could still think a little bit.” His journey towards healing began with a personal commitment to change.

A Collaborative Journey to Publication

Borg had previously turned down numerous offers to share his story, feeling uncomfortable with the idea of collaborating with unfamiliar authors. It was during a dinner in Stockholm with his third wife, Patricia Borg, that he proposed she write the book. Initially hesitant, she agreed the following day, and the process of creating Heartbeats took nearly three years of deep conversations.

“I was very happy she said yes because, without her, the book would have never come out,” Borg said. “I wanted to share the good and bad things that have happened in my life, and writing this book with my wife feels like a relief. It’s like a backpack has been taken off my back.”

In addition to his personal struggles, Borg’s autobiography highlights his role in popularising tennis. His cool demeanor and rivalry with McEnroe and Jimmy Connors significantly elevated the sport’s profile during the 1980s. He also recounts his experiences mingling with celebrities at the famed Studio 54 nightclub in New York, alongside various personal relationships before finding lasting happiness with Patricia.

Borg’s family includes two sons: Leo Borg, a 22-year-old professional tennis player, and his first son, Robin, born in 1985. Neither son has yet read Heartbeats, and while some details of Borg’s struggles are known, the depth of his challenges may surprise many fans.

“I hope they enjoy the book in one way,” Borg said of his sons. “I’m so proud of them. I hope they understand me a bit better. No one is perfect.” He acknowledged the differences between his experience and that of today’s players, who often have teams to guide them through the pressures of professional sports.

Current Health Challenges

In addition to reflecting on his past, Borg is currently facing his latest battle: prostate cancer. He was diagnosed in September 2023 and has undergone surgery. “I go every six months for tests. Everything is fine, but I have to live with it,” he shared. “I want to live as long as I can. I feel good and happy, and I hope to feel that way for many more years.”

Borg’s story, captured in Heartbeats, serves as a powerful reminder of resilience. As he opens up about his life, Borg hopes to inspire understanding and connection among readers, highlighting that the journey of life is often filled with both triumph and adversity.