Life Lessons from Björn Borg’s Heartbeats
Life Lessons from Björn Borg’s Heartbeats
Howie and I met Borg a long time ago at White City. We well remember him being a loner sitting in a corner. Perhaps it was cultural, or perhaps it was because his coach, Lennart Bergelin, kept him locked up in his hotel room during tournaments.
It reminded me of a USC mate of mine, George Taylor, who went to Japan to play the Japan Open. When I asked George what he saw in Japan, he said simply: “a tennis court and a hotel room.”
This glimpse of isolation makes Borg’s new autobiography Heartbeats even more striking. The “Ice Borg” who seemed untouchable on court lived through addiction, near-death experiences, broken relationships, and now a fight with cancer. And yet, at nearly 70, he says he is finally in a good place — training daily, watching his son Leo play, and enjoying family life.
During my time in Newport Beach, I was privileged to be invited to give a tennis clinic with Borg and Yannick Noah. Borg had not changed — still aloof, struggling to relate to the ladies in the clinic. Noah, on the other hand, built like the proverbial brick sh*t house with dreadlocks flowing, had the women absolutely swooning. The contrast between the two said it all: Borg carried his cool detachment even into casual settings, while Noah radiated charisma and joy.
Here are a couple of thoughts Borg’s story in Heartbeats really says loud and clear:
1. Even the Coolest Can Break
On court, Borg was the model of calm. Off court, he admits the pressure, fame, and loneliness took a toll. Perfection is an illusion. Even the strongest-looking people may be carrying invisible struggles.
2. Isolation is Dangerous
Borg recalls having no team or support when he retired. He spiraled into drugs and alcohol. We don’t thrive alone. Success without connection can feel empty, while support and community are essential to recovery.
3. Habits Can Heal or Destroy
His downfall came through destructive habits. His recovery came through structure: daily exercise, routine, tennis. The habits we choose shape our destiny.
4. You Can Rebuild at Any Age
From failed comebacks to bankruptcy, a heart attack, and now cancer treatment, Borg has had many restarts. His story proves: reinvention is always possible.
5. Legacy Is More Than Trophies
Eleven Grand Slams made him immortal in tennis, but what he values most now is family, health, and peace. True legacy is not what you win, but how you live.
Wrap
Borg once said:
“To be involved with drugs or pills or too much alcohol, that destroys, that’s the worst thing you can do. I had to change my life. I could not continue doing this.”
In the end, Borg reminds us that the truest victory is not lifting trophies — it’s lifting the weight off your own heart and finding peace within. Good luck with that battle; it’s tougher than winning Wimbledon!
