ATP Legend Bjorn Borg Discloses How Privacy Concerns Forced His Early Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 5:17 AM ET

Tennis legend Björn Borg has long been a symbol of stoic brilliance on the court, but in a rare moment of introspection, the Swedish icon recently shared the deeply personal reasons that led to his early departure from professional tennis. Known for his calm demeanor and incredible success—11 Grand Slam titles, including six at Roland Garros and five consecutive Wimbledon crowns—Borg’s retirement at the age of just 26 shocked the sporting world.

In his own words, Borg revealed that the constant spotlight became overwhelming. “I think if you lose motivation, because in my time, few years ago or many years ago,” said Bjorn Borg with a chuckle. “If I go somewhere I could not be by myself. I had the media, the photographers-I could not be myself- to be private, to feel good about life in that way”, said Bjorn Borg to the media at the Madrid Open

For Borg, the tennis court remained the only place where he felt a sense of solitude and control. “The only time when I felt really good was when I went to the court, the tennis court,” he said. “I was by myself, no one disturbing me. That was satisfaction for me.”

“And I think I'm Swedish to be private, but for me it's more important to have a life, to feel good,” continued Borg. “But I'm very satisfied with what I did in tennis. Very Very happy.”

His career may have been brief, but it was glorious and his legacy remains etched in history as one of the sport’s greatest champions, and a master of multiple surfaces.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: