Björn Borg, a Murderous Tale, and Wimbledon’s Eccentricities…

Björn Borg, a Murderous Tale, and Wimbledon’s Eccentricities.

As Wimbledon looms on the horizon, the iconic grass courts in London prepare to host yet another chapter of tennis history. But beyond the accolades, the powerful serves, and stunning backhands lies an intriguing and, at times, bizarre history that few can rival. One such tale involves one of the greatest tennis players ever to grace the court—Björn Borg—and a story so eccentric that it sounds like something from a crime novel.

Borg’s reign over tennis in the late 1970s and early 1980s is legendary. With his calm demeanor, long blonde hair, and ice-cold focus, he dominated the sport, winning five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980. Borg’s powerful game, coupled with his stoic personality, led many to think of him as an enigmatic figure. His approach to tennis, however, was not always as serene as his public image suggested. One of the most startling stories associated with the Swedish champion reveals how his loyalty to those closest to him sometimes led him down dark, questionable paths.

The story begins with Borg’s intense rivalry with American player John McEnroe, whose explosive temperament on the court was a stark contrast to Borg’s calm exterior. While the two men were fierce competitors, their rivalry extended beyond just athleticism—it became a personal battle, with each player trying to outdo the other not just in skill but in psychological gamesmanship. McEnroe’s fiery nature and often volatile outbursts during matches were a constant source of frustration for Borg.

According to sources close to Borg at the time, the Swedish player’s relationship with his coach, Lennart Bergelin, was one of absolute loyalty and trust. Borg, despite being a world-class athlete, was not immune to pressure and personal demons, and Bergelin was more than just a coach to him. He was a confidant, a protector, and, in this particular instance, a willing accomplice to a dangerous suggestion.

In one of the more bizarre incidents in tennis history, it’s said that Borg once casually mentioned to Bergelin that his rival, McEnroe, needed to be “taken care of.” The suggestion wasn’t literal at first—rather, it was a reflection of Borg’s growing frustration with McEnroe’s antics. However, it seems that Bergelin took the comment far more seriously than one might expect.

The story goes that Bergelin, deeply loyal to Borg and always eager to support his champion, interpreted the remark as a direct command, despite Borg’s casual tone. With no questions asked, Bergelin was purported to have made inquiries into how the “job” could be done, showing just how deeply his loyalty ran. Though nothing came of it, the tale remains a testament to the sometimes absurd extremes of human loyalty and the eccentric world of tennis.

Of course, no actual murder occurred, and the story may be more of a dark rumor than a fact. However, the tale still highlights the intense rivalries that have shaped tennis history. It also underscores the sometimes irrational passion and loyalty that can drive athletes and their coaches to bizarre extremes.

Wimbledon, with its prestigious history and eccentric players, has always been a breeding ground for such colorful stories. From the fierce rivalries on the court to the mysterious behaviors off it, the sport has had its fair share of oddities. As the tournament approaches, it’s worth remembering that beneath the pristine grass courts and the professional veneer lies a world full of personal vendettas, oddball behaviors, and moments of pure drama—stories that make tennis not only a sport to watch but a spectacle to behold.

So, while the courts at Wimbledon may be a place of elite competition, they also serve as a reminder that tennis, like any other sport, is as much about the eccentric characters who play it as it is about the matches themselves.