Swedish tennis great Bjorn Borg, winner of five consecutive Wimbledon titles, rated himself among the world’s top four players ever in an interview published on Monday, the eve of his 50th birthday.
In an exclusive interview with Stockholm daily Expressen, Borg was asked to rate the world’s top five players ever. After long consideration, he came up with four names: Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and himself, adding it was impossible to compare the quartet.
Borg said current world number one Federer would likely master an old-fashioned wooden racquet unlike many other active top players.
”A player like Federer is the master of everything, he has no weaknesses,” Borg said.
Earlier this year, Borg made headlines after announcing he planned to sell his five Wimbledon trophies and two racquets he used to win the finals.
”There was almost more media attention than when I won my fifth Wimbledon title,” Borg said about the hype, noting that his great tennis rival John McEnroe also phoned.
Borg later bought back the trophies and racquets ”at a personal loss”, he said, adding they are ”in a safe place now”. He said his economic situation was fine: ”I have enough.”
Asked why he drives around in a Ford station wagon instead of something flashier, Borg said he had owned sports cars before, ”but they don’t have the same attraction. Now, with a family and a dog, comfort is important.”
Borg said he was still in good physical shape, weighing only a kilo or two more than when he was a dominant force on the tennis courts.
”I don’t feel like 50 anyway. I have a young wife and child, so I have to be alert.”
The tennis legend said he often declines invitations to parties and exhibition events, preferring to spend time with his family, including his wife Patricia, and parents.
Borg married his wife Patricia in 2002 and they have a three-year-old son, Leo, in addition to her two children from a former relationship and Borg’s 20-year-old son, Robin.
Patricia organised a surprise party for Borg and invited several close friends to Mallorca to celebrate the anniversary, rival Stockholm tabloid newspaper Aftonbladet reported.
Asked what accomplishment he was most proud of during his first 50 years, Borg said: ”Introducing a new style on the tennis court. At Wimbledon 1973 I made tennis rock ‘n’ roll. Previously, tennis was an upper-class sport.
”And then there was my two-handed backhand and top spin — they were also contributions I made.”
Borg retired from the professional circuit at age 26 and went into various business partnerships. He was less successful as a businessman. His ventures have generated critical headlines and lawsuits from disgruntled former associates.
The retired player touched on the subject, saying among his regrets was being let down by people he regarded as friends: ”It seemed they just wanted my money or fame.” — Sapa-dpa