New York, Sep 5 (AP) — Tennis icon Björn Borg has disclosed in the closing chapter of his upcoming memoir, "Heartbeats," that he was diagnosed with "extremely aggressive" prostate cancer. However, he shared with The Associated Press that the cancer is now in remission following a surgery scheduled for 2024.
"I have nothing right now. But every six months I have to go and check myself. The whole process, it's not a fun thing," the 69-year-old Borg expressed in a recent video interview with AP from his residence in Stockholm. "But I'm OK. I'm fine. And I'm feeling very good."
Borg, a legendary figure in tennis, secured 11 Grand Slam singles titles — claiming six at the French Open between 1974 and 1981, and capturing five consecutive Wimbledon championships from 1976 to 1980. He stepped away from the sport at the young age of 26, though he did make a fleeting return later.
The surprisingly early retirement is one of several topics, including his experiences with drug use and his personal relationships with women, his parents, and children, explored in detail in his book. "Heartbeats" is set for release in the UK on September 18 and in the US on September 23.
Known for his privacy, Borg divulged that he penned the memoir alongside his wife, Patricia, over a span of two and a half years.
"I went through some difficult times, but (it's) a relief for me to do this book," Borg remarked. "I feel so much better."
He revealed that he had been undergoing prostate cancer screenings "for many, many years," acknowledging, "The thing is that you don't feel anything — you feel good, and then it's just happened."
In September 2023, a concerning result prompted his doctors to seek follow-up evaluations, as per Borg's account.
This occurred just before Borg was scheduled to travel to Canada to captain Team Europe in the Laver Cup, yet despite medical advice to stay back, he proceeded to Vancouver.
He stated, "Of course I went to Vancouver. I didn't listen."
After the event concluded, Borg returned to Sweden and made an early morning visit to the hospital the following day for more tests, which confirmed the cancer diagnosis. Surgery was subsequently planned for February 2024, a waiting period Borg described as "psychologically... very difficult, because who knows what's going to happen?"
Borg noted that his latest tests returned clear in August.
Within his book, he writes: "Now I have a new opponent in cancer — one I can't control. But I'm going to beat it. I'm not giving up. I fight like every day is a Wimbledon final. And those usually go pretty well, don't they?"
(AP) PDS PDS
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