Exclusive: Björn Borg Opens Up About Rivalry with McEnroe and Today’s Tennis Stars
Björn Borg, the legendary Swedish tennis icon whose icy demeanor and relentless baseline play earned him the nickname “Ice Borg,” sits back in a quiet Stockholm café, reflecting on the rivalries that defined his career—and how today’s game compares to the golden era of the 1970s and 80s. In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview, the 11-time Grand Slam champion opens up about his fiery battles with John McEnroe, the evolution of modern tennis, and whether any of today’s stars could have thrived in his era—or vice versa.
For Borg, the rivalry with McEnroe wasn’t just about tennis—it was a clash of personalities, styles, and cultures. “John was the opposite of me in every way,” Borg recalls with a faint smile. “I was quiet; he was loud. I played from the baseline; he rushed the net. I kept my emotions in check; he… well, he didn’t.” Their most famous showdown, the 1980 Wimbledon final, is still regarded as one of the greatest matches in history. Borg, the reigning champion, faced McEnroe in a five-set thriller that culminated in an 18-16 tiebreak in the fourth set—a moment that tested both men’s mental and physical limits. “That match took something out of both of us,” Borg admits. “When you play at that level, with that intensity, it’s not just about skill. It’s about who can handle the pressure.”
Despite their on-court wars, Borg and McEnroe developed a deep mutual respect. “We pushed each other to be better,” he says. “Without John, I might not have worked as hard. And I think, in some ways, I forced him to mature as a player.” Their rivalry was cut short when Borg shockingly retired at just 26, leaving fans wondering what more could have been. “I don’t regret retiring when I did,” Borg insists. “Tennis was my life, but it wasn’t everything. I needed to step away.”
When asked how he thinks he would fare against today’s players, Borg is thoughtful. “The game has changed so much. The rackets, the strings, the speed—everything is different.” He acknowledges that modern players like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer have taken tennis to new heights with their athleticism and versatility. “These guys are machines. The way they move, the way they recover—it’s incredible.” But Borg believes his mental toughness would still be an asset. “In our time, we didn’t have sports psychologists. You had to figure it out yourself. That’s something I think would translate in any era.”
As for the current generation, Borg is particularly impressed by Carlos Alcaraz. “He reminds me a little of myself—the intensity, the passion. But he’s also got elements of McEnroe’s creativity. He’s the future.” He also praises Jannik Sinner’s precision and Daniil Medvedev’s unorthodox style, though he chuckles at the Russian’s on-court antics. “I could never imagine arguing with the umpire like that. But then again, I had McEnroe doing it enough for both of us.”
Beyond rivalries, Borg reflects on the business of tennis today. “The money is unbelievable now. We were playing for trophies, not millions.” Yet he doesn’t begrudge today’s stars their earnings. “They’re global icons. The sport has grown because of them.” Still, he worries about the pressure young players face. “Social media, constant scrutiny—it’s a lot. In my day, you could disappear after a loss. Now, everything is analyzed instantly.”
As the conversation winds down, Borg’s love for the game remains evident. Though he long ago traded his wooden racket for a quieter life, his influence on tennis endures. “I’m happy when people still talk about those old matches,” he says. “Tennis gave me everything. And if McEnroe and I helped make the sport what it is today, then that’s something to be proud of.”
With that, the Ice Borg finishes his coffee, leaving one last thought: “The rivalries, the drama—that’s what makes tennis great. And I think, no matter the era, that will never change.”
