Björn Borg, the legendary Swedish tennis player, has a net worth of $80 million. Known for his dominance on the court, he won 11 Grand Slam singles titles during his career, including six French Open titles and five consecutive Wimbledon championships. His remarkable career included a famous 1980 Wimbledon victory over John McEnroe, which was later immortalized in the 2017 film Borg vs. McEnroe. Borg’s unexpected retirement in 1983 at just 26 years old, while still at the peak of his career, left the tennis world in. Post-retirement, he found success in the fashion industry.
Career Earnings and Endorsements
At the height of his career in the 1970s and 1980s, Borg was not only a tennis icon but also a commercial force. In 1979, he became the first professional tennis player to earn over $1 million in a single year, a sum equivalent to about $4 million today. Throughout his career, Borg earned a total of $3.7 million in prize money, which adjusts to around $20 million today.
In addition to his prize money, Borg’s endorsement deals made him even wealthier. In 1977, he made $425,000 from various companies, including FILA ($200k), Bancroft rackets ($100k), Tretorn shoes ($50k), Scandinavian Air ($25k), and Tuborg beer ($50k). These lucrative endorsement deals further enhanced his financial success.
Early Life and Tennis Beginnings
Born on June 6, 1956, in Stockholm, Sweden, Björn Borg grew up in Södertälje as an only child. His father, Rune, had won a tennis racket at a table tennis competition, sparking young Björn’s interest in tennis. At just eight years old, he was given the racket, marking the beginning of his tennis journey. His natural athleticism and powerful two-handed backhand helped him dominate the tennis scene from an early age, and by 13, he was already defeating top Swedish players under the age of 18.
Rising Through the Ranks
Borg’s professional tennis career took off at the age of 15 when he represented Sweden in the 1972 Davis Cup, winning his debut singles match. That same year, he claimed the Wimbledon junior singles title and the Orange Bowl Junior Championship. By 1973, Borg had turned professional and made an immediate impact, reaching the fourth round at his first French Open and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. By the end of that year, he had already earned a spot among the top 20 players in the world.
Breakthrough Success in the Mid-1970s
In 1974, Borg’s breakthrough year came when he won his first career singles title at the New Zealand Open. He followed it with victories in London and São Paulo. In June of the same year, Borg made history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Italian Open. Shortly thereafter, he claimed his first Grand Slam title at the French Open at just 18 years old. Borg’s victory in Paris made him the youngest male to win the prestigious tournament.
The following year, Borg successfully defended his French Open title, this time defeating Guillermo Vilas in straight sets. By 1975, Borg’s winning streak continued as he helped Sweden win the Davis Cup, contributing to a 33-match unbeaten streak.
Dominance in the Late 1970s
The year 1976 saw Borg claim both the World Championship Tennis competition and Wimbledon. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest male champion in Wimbledon history. Borg would go on to defend his Wimbledon title in 1977, cementing his place as one of the greatest players of his era. Although a shoulder injury briefly derailed his career, he bounced back in 1978, winning both the French Open and Wimbledon titles, marking his dominance in the sport.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Borg’s dominance continued into the 1980s. In 1980, he won his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title, defeating John McEnroe in one of the most iconic matches in tennis history. That same year, he added another French Open win to his collection, solidifying his legacy. However, McEnroe bested Borg at the U.S. Open later that year.
Borg’s last Grand Slam title came in 1981 at the French Open, where he secured his sixth French Open victory. This record remains unchallenged, with only Rafael Nadal surpassing it. After a loss to McEnroe at Wimbledon in 1981, Borg’s desire to compete began to fade. By 1982, Borg only played in one tournament, losing to Yannick Noah at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Retirement and Comeback
In 1983, Borg changed the sports world by retiring at the age of 26, despite still being a top contender. The news stunned both fans and players, including McEnroe, who urged Borg to continue their rivalry. However, Borg remained firm in his decision to retire, although he did attempt a comeback in 1991. His return to tennis was largely unsuccessful, and Borg ultimately stepped away from professional tennis for good.
Legacy in Tennis
Despite his early retirement, Borg is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His aggressive style, unparalleled fitness, and mental fortitude made him a force on the court. Known for his calm demeanor, he earned the nickname “Ice Man” or “Ice-Borg.” Borg’s influence on the sport is undeniable, as he helped shape the modern playing style seen in today’s tennis stars. Over his career, Borg won 77 singles titles and four doubles titles. In 1987, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter named him the nation’s top sportsperson of all time.
Borg’s post-tennis career saw him successfully venture into the fashion industry. In 1989, he launched the “Björn Borg” fashion brand, which gained particular success in Sweden, especially in the undergarment market. In 2006, he sold the lifetime rights to his name and trademark to World Brand Management for $18 million.
Personal Life and Relationships
Borg’s personal life has been just as eventful as his tennis career. In 1980, he married Romanian tennis player Mariana Simionescu, but the couple divorced in 1984. Borg later had a child, Robin, with Swedish model Jannike Björling in 1985. He then entered a relationship with Italian singer Loredana Bertè, marrying her in 1989 before their divorce in 1993. In 2002, Borg married Patricia Ostfeld, and they have a son, Leo, born in 2003.
Real Estate
Throughout his career, Borg has lived in some stunning properties. In the 1980s, he owned an oceanfront estate in Sands Point, New York. For many years, he split his time between a penthouse apartment in Monaco and a large waterfront estate in Värmdö, Sweden.
Borg’s journey from a young tennis prodigy to one of the greatest players in history, followed by his success in the fashion world, has cemented his place as a sports icon. Despite his early retirement, Björn Borg’s legacy continues to influence the sport of tennis and beyond.
