The Tennis Legend Approaches Life ‘Moment to Moment’ Following ‘Intense’ Prostate Illness Diagnosis
Björn Borg, an iconic sports figure, disclosed that he is taking life “one day at a time” post an “particularly intense” cancer discovery.
Remission and Recovery
The retired tennis star, who stepped away from the sport as a young champion, revealed the health news in the final chapter of his memoir, scheduled for publication this week. The Swede is currently in remission post a procedure in 2024, but stated that the diagnosis was “difficult psychologically”.
“I spoke to the doctor and he said it’s an aggressive form,” he stated. “He said you have these sleeping cancer cells requiring continuous monitoring in the future. Twice a year I go and test myself. My most recent test was recent. This is my new reality.”
Past Difficulties
The book details he opens up regarding panic attacks and substance abuse, which he says started in 1982. “The first time I tried cocaine,” he mentions, “I experienced a high reminiscent I used to get from tennis.”
Borg describes an overdose incident abroad in the 1990s after overdosing on “a combination of intoxicants — my method of dealing with stress”. Additionally, he describes “a moment of humiliation”, which he says came as he awoke during treatment to see his father post yet another crisis.
Retirement Reflections
Throughout the memoir he details ending his career in his twenties post losses championship matches to another tennis great. “I felt that my happiness was gone,” he recalls.
