SHORTLISTED FOR THE CHARLES TYRWHITT SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2026
Idol. Legend. Enigma. For the first time, one of the all-time greatest sportsmen is finally ready to share his astonishing story: the long-awaited tell-all memoir from Bjorn Borg.
'a shockingly revelatory insight' - The Times
'The tennis star retired too early, overdosed on drugs, was serially unfaithful and has been battling cancer. His memoir, Heartbeats, is wild' - The Telegraph
No one had ever played tennis quite like Bjorn Borg. With his incredible athleticism, powerful shot-making and distinctive style, he became a sensation after he burst onto the scene aged just 15. As he ascended to the pinnacle of men's tennis, Borg experienced unprecedented stardom and success that changed the game forever.
Hailed as one of the most talented players to ever step onto a tennis court, Borg collected the game's highest honours, including eleven Grand Slam titles - with five consecutive Wimbledon titles - establishing himself as one of the greatest of all time. Then he stunned the sporting world by announcing his retirement at the age of 26 and disappeared from tennis.
After all these years of silence, Borg is ready to share everything. In this candid memoir, Borg takes us through all the major moments in his career, shares insights into his rivalry with John McEnroe - considered one of the best in the sport's history - and their legendary 1980 Wimbledon final, and explains his shock retirement. Borg writes candidly about his personal life - for so long kept under wraps - including his childhood, his early stardom and his uncomfortable relationship with fame, alongside all the highs and lows of his unmatched career.
For the first time, readers will get Borg's own account of his career, his choices, and the experiences that shaped him as a person, from his childhood right up to today. This look behind the curtain at an enigmatic player who has fascinated generations of tennis fans, is ultimately a fascinating look at the making of sporting legend and, for readers who know nothing about tennis, a rare glimpse into an extraordinary, compelling life.
