Björn Borg, one of tennis’s most iconic figures, has revealed that he is living with the aftermath of an “extremely aggressive” prostate cancer diagnosis. The 11-time Grand Slam champion shared the news in the final chapter of his upcoming autobiography, written with his wife Patricia. Now in remission following surgery in early 2024, Borg described the experience as emotionally taxing.
“I spoke to the doctor and he said this is really, really bad,” Borg recalled. “He said you have these sleeping cancer cells and it’s going to be a fight in the future.” The Swedish legend now undergoes regular testing every six months, acknowledging that the uncertainty is something he must learn to live with.
Facing the psychological toll
The months leading up to his surgery were filled with anxiety. Borg admitted that the wait between diagnosis and treatment was one of the hardest periods of his life. Despite feeling physically fine, the knowledge of what lay beneath was overwhelming.
“It’s a thing I have to live with,” he said. “Every six months I go and test myself. I did my last test two weeks ago.” His openness about the psychological strain offers a rare glimpse into the vulnerability of a man once known for his icy composure on court.
Reflections on a turbulent past
In addition to his health battle, Borg’s autobiography revisits the emotional aftermath of his early retirement at age 25. The decision shocked the tennis world, and the years that followed were marked by personal struggles, including drug use.
“I went through some difficult times,” Borg admitted. “But it’s a relief for me to do this book. I feel so much better.” His candid reflections shed light on a period of his life that was often shrouded in mystery, revealing the challenges of stepping away from the spotlight at such a young age.
A new opponent, a familiar mindset
Though no longer competing on the court, Borg approaches his health battle with the same determination that defined his tennis career. In his book, he writes: “Now I have a new opponent in cancer — one I can’t control. But I’m going to beat it. I fight like every day is a Wimbledon final.”
This fighting spirit continues to guide him as he navigates life after surgery. Borg’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and quiet strength — a reminder that even legends face battles beyond the arena.