Björn Borg Faces Life ‘Moment to Moment’ Following ‘Intense’ Cancer Diagnosis
The five-time Wimbledon winner, a legendary tennis champion, disclosed that he is living life “one day at a time” following an “highly severe” prostate illness identification.
Treatment and Progress
The retired tennis star, who ended his career at 25, detailed the medical update in the closing section of his memoir, set to release this week. The Swede has entered remission after undergoing surgery in recent years, but described that the news was “emotionally challenging”.
“The physician told me and he said it’s an aggressive form,” Borg shared. “He mentioned dormant cancer cells which means an ongoing battle ahead. Every six months I go and test myself. Recently, I completed another screening. It’s part of my life now.”
Personal Struggles
Throughout his memoir he opens up regarding mental health struggles and substance abuse, beginning in 1982. “My initial experience with cocaine,” he mentions, “I got the same kind of rush I used to get from tennis.”
Borg describes a medical emergency to a Dutch hospital during that decade after overdosing on “substances and medications — my preferred ways of self-medication”. He also writes about “the worst shame of all”, happening upon regaining consciousness from a hospital bed to see his father post yet another crisis.
Career Decisions
In his book he details leaving professional tennis at the age of 25 following defeats championship matches to his rival John McEnroe. “My only thoughts that I was deeply unhappy,” he recalls.
