Björn Borg
The Ice Man of tennis
Björn Borg, a name synonymous with tennis greatness, transformed the sport with his extraordinary talent and mental strength.
Seeing the Rolex crown when I go to these exceptional events makes me extremely proud. I feel very honoured and happy that I’m part of the Rolex family, and it feels like I’m still part of the tournaments because of this relationship.
Björn Borg
Calculated precision
Known as the “Ice Man” for his calm demeanour under pressure, Björn Borg won 11 Grand Slam® singles titles and numerous other honours, making him one of the sport’s most revered figures.
A Rolex Testimonee, the Swede remains an inspirational figure in the game, setting a benchmark for excellence both on and off the court.
From peerless junior to legend of the game
Björn Borg began playing tennis at a young age, quickly showing an extraordinary talent that set him apart from his peers.
At age 16, he won the Wimbledon junior singles title and turned professional soon after. His career took off rapidly, and in 1974 he captured his first Roland-Garros title, becoming, at 18, the tournament’s youngest male champion at the time. His dominance on clay was unparalleled, winning a further five titles at the Paris showpiece by 1981. Equally impressive was his success on grass courts. He claimed five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980, a feat unmatched in the open era.
Borg’s rivalry with fellow tennis great John McEnroe, with whom he contested epic Wimbledon finals in 1980 and 1981, is etched in tennis history. His impact on the sport endures. A calm on-court presence, relentless work ethic and innovative two-handed backhand set new standards in the sport.
Even after his retirement, Borg has continued to influence his sport as a mentor. From 2017 to 2024, he served as captain of Team Europe in the annual Laver Cup men’s team competition. In the role, he shared with young players his experience and individual qualities, including his technical excellence, tenacity and utmost respect for opponents.
