Adorable Story #68: Björn Borg
The Ice-Cool Tennis Maestro
“You have to find it. No one else can find it for you.”
— Björn Borg
In this Adorable Story, we explore the remarkable journey of Björn Borg, from his early triumphs in the tennis world to his lasting impact on popular culture.
Learn how Borg’s pioneering use of the two-handed backhand revolutionized the game, and understand the personal struggles that led to his early retirement.
We also highlight Borg’s influence beyond the court, from Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums to his portrayal in the film Borg vs McEnroe by Sverrir Gudnason, and his iconic fashion brand.
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Early Life and Start of a Tennis Legend
Björn Rune Borg was born on June 6, 1956, in Stockholm, Sweden. His early fascination with the sport was sparked by his father Rune, who won a golden tennis racket at a table tennis tournament. This racket became young Borg’s prized possession, leading him to the sport that would define his life.
At the age of 15, Borg made his debut in the Davis Cup for Sweden, becoming the youngest player to win a Davis Cup match. His early promise was clear to all who watched him, marked by an unyielding focus and a calm demeanor that earned him the nickname “Ice Man.”
Early Career and First Major Triumphs
At 15 years old Borg made his presence known by winning the prestigious Orange Bowl in Miami over the American-Lithuanian Vitas Gerulaitis in the boys’ under-18 final.
Björn Borg’s professional career began in earnest in 1973.
His breakthrough came in 1974 when he won his first major tournament, the Italian Open (defeating Ilie Năstase), at just 17 years old. This victory was a precursor to his first Grand Slam title at the French Open later that same year.
Borg became in fact the youngest French Open champion in history, when he defeated Spain’s Manuel Orantes in devastating fashion after dropping the first two sets: 2-6, 6-7, 6-0, 6-1, 6-1.
Borg’s victory in Paris was particularly remarkable because he became the youngest French Open champion at that time, showcasing his extraordinary talent on clay.
In 1975, Borg continued to dominate the tennis scene, defending his French Open title successfully.
His relentless baseline play and powerful two-handed backhand made him a formidable opponent on any surface. These early triumphs laid the foundation for what would become one of the most illustrious careers in tennis history.
Career Highlights
“My greatest point is my persistence. I never give up in a match. However down I am, I fight until the last ball. My list of matches shows that I have turned a great many so-called irretrievable defeats into victories.”
—Björn Borg
By 1974, he had won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open and this victory was the first of six French Open titles, a record that stood for many years. Borg’s dominance on the clay courts of Roland Garros was matched only by his success on the grass courts of Wimbledon.
From 1976 to 1980, Borg won five consecutive Wimbledon titles. His epic rivalries, particularly with John McEnroe, are legendary.
The 1980 Wimbledon final against McEnroe — often cited as one of the greatest matches in tennis history — showcased Borg’s extraordinary mental and physical endurance.
Grand Slam Titles:
French Open: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981
Wimbledon: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
In total, Borg won 11 Grand Slam singles titles.
Two-handed backhand
Albeit Björn Borg did not invent the two-handed backhand (players like Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert, among others, used it effectively before him), he popularized it and made it a significant weapon in modern tennis.
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