Björn Borg, the five-time Wimbledon tennis champion, has said he is taking life “day by day, year by year” after being diagnosed with an “extremely aggressive” form of prostate cancer.
The former world number one, who won 11 Grand Slam titles before retiring at 25, shared the diagnosis in the final chapter of his autobiography, set to be published this week in the UK and next week in the US. The Swedish player is now in remission following surgery in 2024, but he described the diagnosis as “difficult psychologically.”
“I spoke to the doctor, and he told me this is really, really bad,” Borg said in an interview with BBC Breakfast. “He said I have these dormant cancer cells, and it’s going to be a fight in the future. Every six months I go for testing. I had my last test two weeks ago. It’s something I have to live with.”
In his autobiography, Borg also opens up about his struggles with panic attacks and drug use, which he says began in 1982. “The first time I tried cocaine,” he writes, “I got the same kind of rush I used to get from tennis.”
He recounts being rushed to a hospital in the Netherlands in the 1990s after overdosing on a combination of “alcohol, drugs, pills—my preferred ways of self-medication.” He also describes what he calls “the worst shame of all,” when he woke up in a hospital bed to see his father after another overdose.
Borg reflects on his decision to retire at 25, following losses to his rival John McEnroe in the finals of both Wimbledon and the US Open in 1981. “All I could think was how miserable my life had become,” he writes.
An interview with Björn Borg by Simon Hattenstone will be available on theguardian.com from 4pm UK time on Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Bjrn Borgs prostate cancer diagnosis and his approach to life written in a clear and natural tone
General Information
Q Who is Bjrn Borg
A He is a Swedish former tennis player widely considered one of the greatest of all time He won 11 Grand Slam titles in the 1970s and 80s
Q What type of cancer was Bjrn Borg diagnosed with
A He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer
Q What does aggressive form of prostate cancer mean
A It means the cancer cells are growing and spreading more quickly than in slowergrowing forms requiring prompt and often more intensive treatment
About His Diagnosis and Health
Q When was Bjrn Borg diagnosed
A His diagnosis was made public in February 2024
Q What is his current health status
A While he has shared his diagnosis he maintains a private life regarding specific medical updates He has stated he is focusing on his treatment and wellbeing
Q What treatments is he undergoing
A The exact details of his treatment plan are private Treatments for aggressive prostate cancer can include surgery radiation therapy hormone therapy or chemotherapy
About His One Day at a Time Mindset
Q What does taking life one day at a time mean in this context
A It means he is focusing on getting through each day as it comes managing his immediate health and emotions rather than being overwhelmed by worrying too far into the future
Q Why is a one day at a time approach helpful for cancer patients
A A serious diagnosis can create immense anxiety about the future Focusing on the present moment helps reduce that stress allows patients to better handle treatment side effects and improves overall mental wellbeing
Q Is this a common way for people to cope with cancer
A Yes it is a very common and often recommended coping strategy It helps people feel more in control of what they can manage each day
For Others Facing a Similar Situation
Q What is the key takeaway from Bjrn Borgs story
