Sport - Tennis

Borg to auction his Wimbledon trophies

P. Subramanyam

London: Tennis legend Bjorn Borg is selling the five Wimbledon trophies he won between 1976 and 1980.

Borg, who retired at the age of 26, is reported to have built up a £40 million fortune during his career, but has since been through two divorces and a bankruptcy.

"It's not easy to part with the trophies but I need some long-term financial security for those close to me," said the 49-year old Borg. "The time's right for them to pass on to a collector or suitable institution," he said.

In addition to the five miniature replica trophies, Borg is also selling two racquets, including the one he used in his classic victory over John McEnroe in the superbly contested 1980 Wimbledon final.

The auctioneers, Bonhams, said the unique nature of the collection made its financial value difficult to estimate, but added that the sale was expected to raise more than £200,000.

"Even though the symbols of my victories are being sold, what I will always retain is the knowledge that for such a long time I was the supreme world champion," said Borg, in consolation at the unfortunate turn of events in his life.

Borg won 11 Grand Slam titles in a glittering career. But after his early retirement, he ventured into business, which ended in total disaster.

The Swede's Bjorn Design Group company collapsed, forcing him to sell his home in order to pay off the debts.

Borg attempted an unsuccessful tennis comeback in the early 1990s, but now coaches young players in Stockholm as well as having a chain of shops selling Bjorn Borg-branded clothes and shoes.

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