Björn Borg reveals prostate cancer diagnosis and his fight against the disease
The legendary tennis player Björn Borg has revealed in the latest chapter of his upcoming autobiography, “Heartbeats”, that he was diagnosed with an “extremely aggressive” prostate cancer. Borg, 69, reported that he is currently in remission following an operation performed in 2024.Borg, known for his eleven Grand Slam singles titles, including six at the French Open and five consecutive at Wimbledon, retired from tennis at the age of 26, although he later had a brief comeback. His early retirement is one of the themes explored in depth in the book, along with his drug use, his relationships, and his relationship with his family. The book, written in collaboration with his wife Patricia for approximately two and a half years, will be released in Great Britain on September 18th and in the United States on September 23rd.“Right now I have nothing. But every six months I have to go for a check-up. The whole process, it’s not fun,” Borg said in a video interview with the AP from his home in Stockholm. “But I’m fine. I’m fine. And I feel very good.”
Björn Borg
Borg explained that he had undergone prostate cancer screening “for many, many years”, as “you don’t feel anything, you feel fine, and then it just happens”. In September 2023, doctors found concerning results, leading to the need for additional tests. This occurred just before Borg traveled to Canada to captain the European team at the Laver Cup, an event which doctors suggested he not attend. Borg disregarded the recommendations and traveled to Vancouver. After the event, he returned to Sweden and underwent tests that confirmed the cancer diagnosis. The surgery was scheduled for February 2024, a waiting period that Borg described as “psychologically… very difficult, because who knows what will happen”. The most recent Borg results, obtained in August, were clean. In his book, Borg writes:“I went through difficult times, but [it] is a relief for me to make this book. I feel much better,” Borg stated.
Björn Borg
“Now I have a new opponent in cancer, one I cannot control. But I will beat it. I do not give up. I fight as if every day were a Wimbledon final. And those usually go pretty well, don’t they?”.
Björn Borg
