Bjorn Borg’s journey through life and tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by triumphs, struggles, and an unwavering spirit that continues to inspire. Best known as one of the greatest tennis players in history, Borg’s life embodies resilience, especially as he confronts a new challenge: his recent diagnosis with prostate cancer. At 69, his philosophy of living “day by day, year by year” resonates powerfully, as he refuses to be defined by illness and instead approaches his health battle with the mindset of a true champion.

Borg’s story begins in Sweden, a country not traditionally known for producing tennis legends at the time. Born in 1956, he was introduced to racquet sports at an early age. His father, an avid table tennis player, brought home a tennis racquet after winning one in a competition. Though initially cumbersome for the young Bjorn, the racquet ignited a passion that would change his life. Early on, Borg developed a unique style characterized by his trademark double-handed backhand—an unusual technique then that would become his signature shot. This distinctive stroke helped him dominate opponents and set the stage for his rise to tennis stardom.

The 1970s and early 1980s saw Borg reach the pinnacle of the sport. He won an impressive 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including six French Open championships and five Wimbledon victories, achievements that underscored his versatility on different surfaces. His cool demeanor on court, often described as stoic and unflappable, earned him nicknames like “Ice Man.” However, off the court, Borg was known for a quiet introspection that belied his fierce competitiveness during matches.

Perhaps one of the most captivating aspects of Borg’s career was his rivalry with American player John McEnroe. Their contrasting personalities—Borg’s calm versus McEnroe’s fiery temper—created a dynamic matchup that captured the tennis world’s imagination. Their 1980 Wimbledon final remains one of the greatest matches in tennis history, featuring an epic fourth-set tiebreak that saw McEnroe win 18-16 before Borg clinched the final set, triumphing in a battle of wills and stamina. This rivalry helped elevate the sport’s popularity and set new standards for athletic rivalry and sportsmanship.

Despite his early success and celebrity, Borg retired from professional tennis at the tender age of 25, a decision that surprised many. His exit from the sport was partly due to physical exhaustion and a desire for a different life beyond tennis’s grueling demands. However, Borg’s transition to post-athletic life was fraught with difficulties. He experienced emotional turmoil, grappling with the loss of his athletic identity and purpose, which led to a period of substance use as he sought to cope with the void. This chapter of Borg’s life highlights the often-overlooked struggles athletes face after retirement, especially when they retire young and suddenly.

His comeback, however, has extended beyond the tennis court. Facing prostate cancer, Borg confronts his most personal and daunting battle yet. His approach to treatment and recovery reflects the same determination that propelled him on the court—treating each day with focus and fighting spirit. In candid interviews and in his autobiography, co-written with his wife Patricia, Borg has detailed his journey through these challenges with honesty and vulnerability. The memoir offers insights into the complex highs and lows of his life, from his meteoric rise and fall to his ongoing effort to rebuild and find meaning.

Adding depth to his story is Borg’s contribution to tennis beyond his playing days. He helped popularize baseline play and endurance tennis, influencing countless players who followed. His emphasis on physical conditioning was ahead of its time—he was one of the first in the sport to rigorously train off the court. Borg also briefly attempted professional comeback tours and was involved in tennis coaching and business ventures, though none matched his early glory.

Bjorn Borg’s enduring legacy, therefore, is not just in the titles he won or the records he set, but in his ability to redefine himself in the face of adversity. His life is a testament to resilience, showing that even after retiring prematurely and facing personal battles, it is possible to rise again with humility and strength. Borg’s story reminds us all that life is unpredictable; challenges may arise suddenly, but with courage and perseverance, one can always strive to serve up new victories, on and off the court.