“I Was Actually Pissed Because from My Perspective It Was Selfish”: When John McEnroe Warned Bjorn Borg Against His ‘Crazy’ Decision to Retire at 26
In the world of tennis, few rivalries have been as intense or as captivating as that between John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. Their on-court battles in the late 1970s and early 1980s are the stuff of legend, with each match a clash of contrasting styles and temperaments. Borg was the ice-cool Swede with nerves of steel, while McEnroe was the fiery American, known for his explosive outbursts and unparalleled talent. But beyond the fierce competition, there was a deep mutual respect and even a complicated friendship between the two tennis titans. This complex dynamic came to a head when Borg made the shocking decision to retire from professional tennis at the age of 26—a decision that left McEnroe both stunned and angry.
Borg’s announcement in 1983 sent shockwaves through the tennis world. At the time, he was at the peak of his career, having won 11 Grand Slam titles and dominating the sport like few others before him. His sudden exit was seen by many as an unthinkable move, but for Borg, the pressures of fame and the relentless grind of the tour had become overwhelming. He was physically and mentally exhausted, and the fire that once fueled his greatness had begun to fade.
McEnroe, however, was having none of it. In a candid reflection years later, McEnroe revealed just how deeply Borg’s retirement had affected him. “I was actually pissed because from my perspective it was selfish,” McEnroe said. “I felt like he owed it to the sport, to his fans, and to his rivals to keep playing. We were just getting started.”
McEnroe’s frustration stemmed from the fact that their rivalry had pushed both men to new heights. Their legendary Wimbledon final in 1980, often cited as one of the greatest matches in tennis history, was a testament to their incredible talents and the intensity of their competition. McEnroe believed that there were many more epic battles to be fought, and Borg’s decision to walk away felt like a betrayal of sorts—not just to him, but to the sport as a whole.
“I tried to talk him out of it,” McEnroe recalled. “I told him he was crazy to retire so young, that he had so much more to give. But he had made up his mind. He was done.”
Borg’s retirement left a void in the tennis world, and for McEnroe, it was a turning point in his own career. Without his greatest rival to push him, McEnroe’s motivation waned, and while he continued to enjoy success, the sport was never quite the same without Borg on the other side of the net.
Over the years, McEnroe has spoken with a mix of admiration and regret about Borg’s decision. He respects Borg’s choice to prioritize his well-being over the demands of the sport, but there’s still a sense that something was lost when Borg stepped away. “I get it now, more than I did back then,” McEnroe admitted. “But at the time, it felt like he was abandoning us all—his fans, the sport, and me.”
Today, both men have moved on from their playing days, but their rivalry and the bond they share remain an indelible part of tennis history. Borg’s decision to retire at 26 may have seemed ‘crazy’ to McEnroe and many others, but it also underscored the immense pressures faced by athletes at the highest levels. For McEnroe, Borg’s retirement was a poignant reminder that even the greatest champions are, in the end, human.
