Björn Borg

Biography

Björn Borg, born 6 June 1956 in Stockholm, Sweden, is a former professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Raised in Södertälje, he dominated men’s tennis in the 1970s and early 1980s, winning 11 Grand Slam singles titles — six at the French Open and five consecutive at Wimbledon between 1976 and 1980. Borg was ranked world No. 1 and held that position for 109 weeks during his career. Borg grew up fascinated by tennis after his father gave him a racket as a child. He turned professional in 1973 and quickly became a sensation on the international circuit with his powerful baseline play and two-handed backhand. Known for his calm demeanor on court — earning nicknames like “Ice Man” — he helped popularize tennis worldwide and was instrumental in bringing new attention and athleticism to the sport. During his peak, Borg claimed six French Open titles (1974, 1975, 1978–1981) and five straight Wimbledon championships (1976–1980), the latter a feat unmatched in the modern era at the time. He also played a key role in Sweden’s Davis Cup success and compiled a remarkable win record before retiring unexpectedly in 1983 at age 26. He briefly attempted a comeback in the early 1990s. After tennis, Borg remained influential in sport and business, including founding a sportswear brand bearing his name. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Swedish Tennis Hall of Fame in 2003. Borg’s legacy extends beyond titles to his impact on how the game is played and perceived globally, making him a defining figure in tennis history.