"The most disappointing thing was that people abused me" - When Bjorn Borg lamented being 'screwed' by his friends in failed business venture
Bjorn Borg once opened up about how he placed his trust in the people he believed to be friends, only to be betrayed in a failed business venture. The Swede also disclosed that it took him significant time to recover and reach a place of success in his life.
Widely regarded as an all-time great, Borg won 11 Grand Slam titles and held the World No. 1 ranking for 109 weeks during his illustrious career. The Swede shocked the tennis world when he announced his retirement at the age of 26 in 1983. Although he attempted an ill-fated comeback in 1991, he eventually retired for good in 1993 after failing to win a match on his return to the ATP tour.
After his initial retirement, the former World No. 1 partnered with his businessman friend Lars Skarke and launched the Bjorn Borg Design Group, selling high-end products like luggage, sportswear and aftershave. However, the company went bankrupt in 1989 after heavy losses.
In a 2007 interview with The Guardian, Bjorn Borg admitted that it took him many years to find inner peace after pursuing multiple ventures, several of which turned out to be poor.
"It took many years to find peace with myself and to find what I really wanted to do. I had a lot of choice, a lot of opportunities. I tried lots of things, some good, some bad. It has taken me this many years to get to where I want to be," he said.
The Swede also reflected on the failure of his business, expressing immense disappointment at being betrayed and "abused" by people he considered friends.
"Money is important, but not that important. The most disappointing thing was that people abused me, you know. When the business started, I thought these people were my friends. But they were all out to screw me really," Bjorn Borg said.
However, the former World No. 1 eventually bounced back with his Bjorn Borg fashion label, which proved very successful, especially for his underwear line. The brand established itself as a leading name in Sweden, becoming second only to Calvin Klein.
Borg expressed pride in the company's growth, disclosing that they had expanded to 10 different countries in Europe.
"We are now doing unbelievably well. New designers, new managers. We are on the stock market in Sweden, in 10 different territories in Europe and the business is huge," he added.
"It wasn't a money thing, not at all" - Bjorn Borg on controversial decision to auction his Wimbledon trophies
In 2006, Bjorn Borg, who won five consecutive titles at the grasscourt Major from 1976 to 1980, announced his decision to auction all of his Wimbledon trophies and two title-winning rackets at the Bonhams auction house in London.
However, the Swede clarified that the move wasn't motivated by financial struggles, as it was perceived. Borg also admitted that he hadn't anticipated the backlash from fans, who were dismayed by the controversial announcement.
"It wasn't a money thing, not at all," Borg said in the aforementioned interview. "And I wondered if, at 50, I should sell them. Because no one can take away my memories of these things, of Wimbledon, they are always there.
"I had no idea the fuss it would cause. People all over the world contacted radio, television. They all said you cannot sell your trophies. We have lived this with you, you can't just give it away," he added.
Bjorn Borg disclosed that he eventually reversed his decision and bought back his trophies from the auction house after being convinced by John McEnroe, who called him several times, urging him to reconsider.