John McEnroe Convinced Bjorn Borg to Reclaim His Wimbledon Legacy After Shock Trophy Sale
In the world of tennis, few rivalries have captivated fans like that between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe. Their contrasting styles—Borg’s icy calm against McEnroe’s fiery temper—defined a golden era of the sport. But while their battles on the court were legendary, an unexpected moment years later highlighted just how deep their bond had become off the court.
In 2006, tennis fans were stunned when Swedish icon Bjorn Borg decided to auction off five of his Wimbledon trophies, along with two of his match-used rackets. The trophies represented one of the most dominant periods in tennis history, as Borg won five straight Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980. His success, coupled with six French Open titles, gave him a total of 11 Grand Slam wins—cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Despite this legacy, Borg faced serious financial challenges in the years following his retirement. His post-tennis business ventures had faltered, and he cited the need for long-term financial stability for himself and his family as the motivation behind the sale. The items were to be sold through the renowned auction house Bonhams, with expectations they would fetch between £200,000 and £300,000.
But one man was not having it—John McEnroe.
Upon learning of Borg’s decision, McEnroe wasted no time in reaching out to his former rival and longtime friend. According to Borg and multiple sources, McEnroe immediately called him on the phone and demanded to know what was going on.
“What the hell are you doing?” McEnroe reportedly asked, concerned that Borg was giving up irreplaceable pieces of history—not just for tennis, but for himself.
Borg later admitted that McEnroe’s reaction was both emotional and impactful. Although Borg initially justified the decision by saying that “everything is up here,” pointing to his head and heart, he soon realized he had made a mistake. “It was a stupid decision,” Borg confessed in hindsight. “John was the first to tell me.”
Moved by the call and rethinking what the trophies meant to him, Borg made a dramatic U-turn. He bought back the trophies—at a greater expense than what he would have received from selling them. Today, those five Wimbledon trophies are safely secured, preserved as part of a legacy that fans and historians continue to celebrate.
This exchange between two legends reveals a lesser-known side of their relationship. While they were fierce competitors on the court, their mutual respect and friendship have only grown with time. Speaking years later on the Scandinavian TV show Skavlan, McEnroe reflected fondly on their connection.
“I think he is the only one of my rivals that I actually got along with,” McEnroe said. “Everyone else, I was fighting all the time. But with Bjorn, it was different.”
According to McEnroe, the two men actually share more in common than people realize. “We have the same sense of humor. I think we think about things in a similar way, whether it’s something serious or something that’s not so serious.”
In a surprising revelation, McEnroe even claimed that in their early youth competitions, Borg had a worse temper than he did—something that may shock those familiar with McEnroe’s infamous on-court meltdowns. “In the 12 and Unders, he behaved worse than I did,” McEnroe joked. “Apparently, his father suspended him from playing tennis for six months.”
These glimpses into their personal dynamic add context to why McEnroe felt so strongly about Borg’s trophy sale. For McEnroe, those trophies were more than silverware—they were symbols of an era, reminders of the drama, pressure, and artistry that marked their classic matches. For Borg, selling them had seemed like a practical move in the moment, but McEnroe’s passionate plea reminded him of their deeper meaning.
Sue Barker’s book Wimbledon: A Personal History recounts the moment when McEnroe first found out about the auction and picked up the phone. His intervention, combined with the emotional weight of the trophies, caused Borg to reconsider.
Reflecting on the entire experience, Borg eventually acknowledged the emotional and symbolic importance of the trophies, even if he initially downplayed their physical significance. “Trophies are important too, but not as much as the memories of what you’ve been through in life,” he said. “Still, it was a stupid thing to do.”
The story ends on a redemptive note. The trophies were recovered, McEnroe’s friendship remained steadfast, and fans were reminded that even the greatest champions can stumble—only to find support from those who once stood across the net.
Today, Bjorn Borg’s legacy is not just found in highlight reels and history books, but in a friendship that stood the test of time and competition. His decision to retrieve the trophies, inspired by McEnroe’s heartfelt intervention, shows that legacy isn’t just about the past—it’s about how we protect and honor it moving forward.
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