Björn Borg Opens Up About Life After Tennis In New Autobiography

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Tennis legend Björn Borg, famous for his 11 Grand Slam titles, is sharing his life story in a new autobiography titled “Heartbeats,” released today in the UK and September 23 in the U.S. As he approaches his 70th birthday, Borg reflects on his life on and off the court.

In a recent video interview, Borg, who became a global superstar in the 1970s and 1980s, expressed his desire to shed the weight of his past. “I had a big backpack on my back. I wanted to throw that away,” he said.

Borg, who was known for his cool demeanor and stylish Fila gear, became a prominent figure in tennis history, especially during his fierce rivalry with John McEnroe. However, after retiring at 26, he began facing personal struggles, including a prostate cancer diagnosis and a battle with addiction.

“I was lost in this world,” Borg admitted about the time following his retirement in 1983. “I didn’t have any help. It’s very tough to fix yourself.” His fame and lifestyle took a toll on him, leading him to seek solace in partying and substance use.

Throughout his autobiography, Borg discusses his relationships, including the impact of the deaths of loved ones and his friendships with celebrities from the 1980s, like Paul Simon and Mick Jagger, often attributing his escapism to the vibrant scene at New York’s Studio 54.

However, he did not shy away from detailing the struggles that followed his career. In his book, he candidly recounts two near-death experiences in the late 1980s linked to substance abuse. He credits a close call in Milan, when he nearly died after consuming a mix of drugs and alcohol, as a wake-up call.

“To be involved with drugs or pills or too much alcohol, that destroys you as a human being,” Borg reflected. Following his recovery, he attempted a comeback in the early 1990s, but acknowledged the challenges he faced during that time.

Despite his journey through addiction, Borg emphasizes that he has found happiness again. Now living in Stockholm with his third wife, Patricia Östfeld, he leads a family-oriented life, cherishing his two sons and grandchildren.

Borg continues to watch tennis, expressing excitement about new talents and sharing that tennis remains a significant part of his life. “I love to watch tennis. It’s part of my heart to be involved with tennis,” he said.

With the release of “Heartbeats,” Borg hopes people will come to understand him not just as a tennis player, but as a person with a complex life.