Heartbeats - by Björn Borg (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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 Björn Borg, now a Sunday Times bestseller.

No one had ever played tennis quite like Björn Borg. With his incredible athleticism, powerful shot-making and distinctive style, he became a sensation after he burst onto the scene at just fifteen years old. 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 honors, 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 twenty-six 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 and their legendary 1980 Wimbledon final, and explains his shock retirement. Borg writes candidly about his childhood, his early stardom, and his uncomfortable relationship with fame, alongside all the highs and lows of his unmatched career.

This look behind the curtain at an enigmatic player who has fascinated generations of tennis fans, is ultimately a remarkable look at the making of sporting legend and, for readers who know nothing about tennis, a rare glimpse into an extraordinary, compelling life.

Review Quotes

"[In Heartbeats], a player who, by his own admission, has always been a closed book. . . opens up"
-The New York Times

About the Author

Björn Borg is a Swedish former professional tennis player. He was ranked as the world No. 1 in men's singles for 109 weeks. Borg won 66 singles titles during his career, including 11 majors (six at the French Open and five consecutively at Wimbledon). A teenage sensation at the start of his career, Borg experienced unprecedented stardom and consistent success that helped propel the rising popularity of tennis during the 1970s. His rivalries with Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe became cultural touchstones beyond the world of tennis, with the latter rivalry peaking at the 1980 Wimbledon final, considered one of the greatest matches ever played. This is his first memoir.