‘Tennis Is a Sport With a Lot of Money’ – ‘Ice-Man’ Bjorn Borg Was Once Astonished to See ‘Crazy’ Parents Putting Pressure on Kids to Play the Sport

Bjorn Borg, the Swedish tennis veteran, is among those who took tennis to a whole new level. He laid the foundation of extraordinary records, which later professionals like Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi, furthered. In this generation, the big three players, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, handled the baton.

He has seen all these players emerge and establish themselves. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to say that the Borg, from his experience and witnessing all other mage players, has developed an understanding of the right way to handle young talent. The aspect that many parents lack and due to which they ruin their children’s future. 

Bjorn Borg shares his disbelief

In the year 2016, while in an interview with CNN, the 11 times Grand Slam champion, shared his concerns regarding the mistreatment of junior tennis players. “When we’re traveling around Sweden, we see all these crazy parents. I mean, it’s unbelievable,” he said.

Borg continued, “Even during our time it was parents who were a little bit crazy in one way, but today it’s unbelievable… It’s shocking.” Thereafter, Borg whose son, Loe Borg, at that time played under 14 for Sweden’s prestigious Royal Lawn Club, came to a conclusion. “I think that’s because tennis is a sport with a lot of money involved and you can see sometimes the kids don’t want to play.”

Read More: “Met Him at Laver Cup”: Bjorn Borg’s Son Leo Names Rafael Nadal as His Idol

“It’s like the parents push them to do something they don’t want to do.” Speaking of Borg, his journey started with a fascination. He had his eyes set on a golden tennis racket that his father had won at a table tennis tournament. As soon as his father passed custody of the racket, the tennis career of the legend started.

Records that Borg marked under his name

The now 66-year-old, turned pro in 1973, and claimed the crown of world no.1, in just four years of participation on tour. Borg claimed four consecutive French Open titles, and competed in six consecutive Wimbledon finals. Furthermore, he fought for the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open trophies in the same year three times from 1978 to 1981.

Watch This Story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

He assembled a pile of 66 singles trophies and became the first player in the Open Era, to win 11 Grand Slam titles. Borg got inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the year 1987, and currently acts as Team Europe’s captain in Laver Cup.