Björn Borg Memoir Reveals Cocaine Use and Early Retirement

Tennis legend Björn Borg has revealed startling personal struggles in a new memoir. The Swedish champion details cocaine use, multiple overdoses, and his abrupt retirement. These revelations come alongside a personal health disclosure about a prostate cancer diagnosis.

The book, titled “Heartbeats,” will be released on September 23rd. Borg confirmed the details in a recent interview from his home in Stockholm. The memoir covers his legendary career, personal regrets, and life after tennis.

Bjorn Borg Memoir Details Cocaine Use and Overdoses

Borg’s memoir opens with a harrowing account of a 1990s overdose. He was rushed to a Dutch hospital after mixing alcohol, drugs, and pills. The tennis great describes this as his “preferred way of self-medication” at the time.

He writes that his drug use began in 1982, shortly after retiring. Borg states that his first experience with cocaine provided a rush similar to tennis. He clarifies that a separate 1989 overdose in Italy was accidental, not a suicide attempt. Information from the Associated Press confirms these personal accounts.

Borg expressed deep regret about this period of his life. He called the involvement with drugs a “stupid decision” that destroys a person. Seeing his father at his hospital bedside represented his lowest point, a moment of profound shame.

The Real Reason Behind Borg’s Shock Retirement From Tennis

Borg’s retirement at age 25 stunned the sports world. He explains that losing the 1981 Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals to John McEnroe was the catalyst. After the U.S. Open loss, he sat alone with beers in a pool, realizing his career was over.

He told the Associated Press he was not upset about the loss itself. Instead, his head was spinning with the decision to leave the sport he dominated. Borg felt miserable and had no plan for life after tennis, with no one to guide him.

The memoir also reveals he earned the “Ice-Borg” nickname not naturally. A six-month suspension from his hometown club as a child for bad behavior forced a change. He learned to control his emotions on court out of fear of another suspension, a process that took years.

Borg’s candid memoir, “Heartbeats,” finally reveals the full story behind his iconic career and turbulent personal life. The Bjorn Borg memoir offers an unprecedented look at the man behind the legendary ice-cool facade.

Info at your fingertips

What is Björn Borg’s new book called?

Borg’s new memoir is titled “Heartbeats.” It is set for release in the United States on September 23rd by Diversion Books. The book spans 292 pages.

What health issue does Borg reveal?

Björn Borg reveals he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He closes his memoir with this personal health disclosure. The book begins with a story about a drug overdose.

Why did Borg really retire from tennis?

He retired because he felt miserable and lost his passion for the game. This followed back-to-back major final losses to rival John McEnroe in 1981. Borg was just 25 years old at the time.

Does Borg discuss his famous rivals?

Yes, he writes about his iconic rivalry with John McEnroe. He also discusses contrasts with other players like Jimmy Connors. The book provides insight into their competitive dynamics.

Trusted Sources: Associated Press