The Limited Times

Björn Borg, the rock star of the courts

8/7/2020, 12:49:26 PM


CHAMPIONS OF STYLE (6/6) - If his baseline game and his exceptional physique changed the face of tennis, his tight polo shirts, shorts and hair band marked the 1980s.

The center court at Wimbledon is packed, the lawn slightly bare. This July 5, 1980, after a fortnight marked by torrential rains, tennis fans flock, sometimes standing, to attend the final. On the one hand, Björn Borg, 24, title holder, four victories on London turf on the clock. On the other, the one that the British press nicknamed "Super Brat" (the "brat" , in French), 21 years old and the long teeth, John McEnroe. With its 22-minute tie-break from the fourth set, the match entered the history of tennis and sport, as the two players seemed to stake their lives on each of the 34 points played.

Borg flutters, hurrying to the net, disconcerting McEnroe, used to seeing him tirelessly return the ball from the baseline. The American, saving 5 match points, snatches the decisive game. But not the victory: after a fifth set, Ice Borg, in a red tracksuit jacket, lifts the prestigious trophy. “The meeting was incredibly

This article is for subscribers only. You still have 86% to discover.

Subscribe: 1 € for 2 months

Cancellable at any time

Enter your email

Already subscribed? Log in