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Some people walk into the world to do things that no one else could. In the mid-70s, Wimbledon witnessed one of the greatest competitors in the history of the sport. Many considered him the first “rock star” of professional tennis.
The Swede Bjorn Borg played amazing tennis almost every time he walked onto his favorite grass court. Borg began his Wimbledon journey as a 17-year-old in 1973. He reached the quarter finals in his first attempt.
1976: Borg won the championship without dropping a single set. He became the youngest champion aged 20 years and 1 month to win the championship (a record which was later broken in 1985 by Boris Becker). Borg was an underdog to win against Illie Nastase but won in commanding fashion, 6-4,6-2,9-7. Nastase was amazed by the quality of Borg’s play and he eulogized Borg.
1977: Borg returned to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to defend his title. He faced Jimmy Connors in the finals. Both the players played amazing tennis. Connors won the first set 6-3, but Borg made a comeback in the second set winning 6-2. Borg got the momentum and with his serve-and-volley game dominated the third set 6-1. Connors went on to win the 4th set 7-5 and the match went into the final set. Borg broke Connors in the final set and won it 6-4.
1978: Borg met Connors in the finals for the second time in two years. This time he annihilated Connors and won in straight sets 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
1979: Borg played another 5-setter and defeated American Roscoe Tanner 6-7 (7-4), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. It was Borg’s 8th Grand Slam and 4th Wimbledon title.
1980: This was one of the best matches played in history. The tennis played was of the highest quality. McEnroe was booed as he entered the arena because he had argued with the officials during his semi-final encounter against Jimmy Connors. The 4th set tie-breaker was eventful and is considered to be “the most riveting episode in sport’s history”. McEnroe saved five championship points and eventually won 18-16. McEnroe was considered the favorite to win the 5th set but Borg won the final set 8-6 and won his 5th consecutive championship in a row.
Borg lost the 1981 finals to McEnroe and that was his last appearance on the court. Borg retired at the age of 25 and Wimbledon missed one of its favorite sons.
Salute to the great Wimbledon legend.
