Bjorn Borg says he’ll quickly be revealing all the main points about his shock retirement however for now can solely share that he misplaced the motivation to play and did not really feel like his focus was the place it wanted to be.
After changing into a Grand Slam champion on the 1974 French Open shortly after turning 18, it did not take lengthy earlier than the Swede established himself as probably the greatest and dominant gamers within the sport. However after attending to 11 Main wins between 1974 and 1981, the previous world No. 1 appeared in simply two tournaments through the 1982 season. At that time, it appeared that one thing was off.
However nobody was ready for what occurred in 1983 January, when Borg shocked your complete tennis world by asserting that he was strolling away from professional tennis on the age of 26. On the time, the previous five-time Wimbledon champion was one of many prime athletes in all sports activities and it was unprecedented on the time to see such a significant sporting title finish his profession so early and not using a main cause.
Even John McEnroe, whose rivalry with the Swede is likely one of the greatest in tennis historical past, tried to speak with him and see if he might change his thoughts – but it surely did not work out.
“I used to be very glad as a participant, however the motivation was not there. If you happen to don’t have the motivation to observe and compete on daily basis, you may’t concentrate on what you do and what that you must do. I used to be glad, however I had no motivation and no focus. Once I got here again briefly, that was a special story. I’m writing a e book. I’m going to inform everybody all about it subsequent 12 months,” the previous six-time French Open winner instructed The Athletic.
Later, Borg did play one event in 1983 and one other in 1984 – however he wasn’t actually again. In 1991, the previous world No. 1 returned to tennis and performed for 3 extra years however he by no means once more received a title.
Borg on competing in opposition to McEnroe on the Laver Cup
Throughout their careers, the Swede and the American met 14 instances and 4 of these conferences got here in Main finals. Ultimately, they break up wins but it surely needs to be famous that McEnroe received three of their 4 Slam finals.
Following Borg’s first retirement from tennis, they by no means clashed once more because the 1981 US Open ultimate – which was received by the American – turned out to be the final time that they squared off.
Nevertheless, seven years in the past, the rivalry between the 2 was reignited however simply in numerous circumstances after the 68-year-old Swede was named as captain of Group Europe whereas the previous seven-time Slam champion obtained the identical place with Group World.
However when this 12 months’s Laver Cup begins on Friday, there might be new captains as Yannich Noah and Andre Agassi now maintain these positions.
“It was probably the greatest seven years for me. The Laver Cup was at all times an important week of the 12 months. I had the chance to spend time with the perfect gamers on the planet. The competitors is fierce, everybody needs to win. For me it was implausible and I’m very proud and glad to have been the captain of Group Europe. I want my successor all the perfect and plenty of luck. I positively had a number of enjoyable,” Borg instructed Tennis Magazin.
Borg: I’ve at all times had a very good relationship with McEnroe
Borg and McEnroe might have been arch rivals on the court docket however they at all times had an important stage or respect and appreciation for one another and that continued even after their tennis days have been nicely over. For that cause, the 68-year-old completely beloved the Laver Cup alternative.
“John and I’ve at all times been very shut mates. We met repeatedly, spoke on the telephone or wrote to one another. The truth that we each grew to become Laver Cup captains was nice. That meant that we at all times noticed one another throughout that week and exchanged a number of info,” Borg mentioned.
Additionally, the previous 11-time Main champion was requested if there have been any particular recollections to name.
“Perhaps we remembered our energetic days. If you win huge tournaments, particularly Grand Slams, you clearly exit and have fun. It is the happiest second of your life, one thing you have labored in direction of for years and sacrificed a lot at a younger age. You have skilled and labored laborious. You hope and dream that you will win a Grand Slam sooner or later. And if you do this, it is the perfect second for any tennis participant. As a result of not many individuals handle to win a significant,” Borg defined.
