Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Tennis Book Review: "Heartbeats: A Memoir", by Bjorn Borg
Heartbeats is the long-awaited memoir from the sport's first modern global superstar who won 11 Grand Slam Championships and captured the public imagination: Bjorn Borg.
Borg won six French Open (Roland Garros) titles, and five consecutive Wimbledon crowns from 1974 to 1981. He was hailed as the "King of Clay" before Rafael Nadal. He held the World Number One rank for 109 weeks.
His rivalries with American greats John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors became legend. And Borg's steely demeanor on court earned him the nickname "Ice Borg."
His meteoric rise from a teen idol to the top of the sport is probably unmatched, and his athleticism, shot-making and unique playing style are still remembered today, as well as his shock retirement at age 26 at his peak. Borg is widely-regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
But behind the scenes and mostly hidden from the public was a story of heartbreak and tragedy with drugs, alcohol and depression. It was a battle that took him to the depths of near-death.
Heartbeats recounts his triumphant yet poignant story from humble beginnings to global stardom, and from tragedy to comeback. It's a gripping life story of grit and training, fame and fortune, sadness and near-death experiences, and finally recovery and redemption.
Throughout it all is a common thread: Borg's heart always beat true to tennis.































