Tennis icon Björn Borg has announced that he is in remission from an “extremely aggressive” form of prostate cancer. This revelation comes in the final chapter of his forthcoming memoir, titled Heartbeats, where he shares his health journey and personal reflections. During a video interview with The Associated Press from his home in Stockholm, Borg, aged 69, expressed relief following his surgery in February 2024.
“I have nothing right now. But every six months I have to go and check myself. The whole process, it’s not a fun thing,” Borg stated. He emphasized his current well-being, saying, “But I’m OK. I’m fine. And I’m feeling very good.” The memoir, which was co-authored with his wife, Patricia Borg, delves into various aspects of his life, including his storied tennis career, struggles with drug use, and relationships with family.
Borg’s Tennis Legacy and Personal Challenges
Borg’s illustrious career includes 11 Grand Slam singles titles, with six victories at the French Open between 1974 and 1981, and five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980. He retired from professional tennis at just 26, a decision that he reflects on in his memoir. The book is set for release in the UK on September 18, 2023, and in the United States on September 23, 2023.
In his interview, Borg shared that he had been monitoring his health for years, stating, “The thing is that you don’t feel anything – you feel good, and then it’s just happened.” In September 2023, troubling test results prompted his doctors to conduct further examinations, which coincidentally occurred just before he was due to captain Team Europe at the Laver Cup in Vancouver. Despite medical advice against traveling, Borg decided to participate in the event.
After returning to Sweden, he underwent further tests that confirmed the cancer diagnosis. The waiting period for surgery was emotionally taxing for him. “Psychologically, it was very difficult, because who knows what’s going to happen?” he explained.
A New Battle and a Positive Outlook
Borg’s most recent tests in August 2024 returned clean results, leading to his current remission status. In his memoir, he poignantly writes, “Now I have a new opponent in cancer – one I can’t control. But I’m going to beat it. I’m not giving up. I fight like every day is a Wimbledon final. And those usually go pretty well, don’t they?”
His openness about battling cancer not only highlights his resilience but also serves to inspire others facing similar challenges. As he prepares for the release of Heartbeats, Borg’s story is a testament to his enduring spirit, both on and off the court.
