Bjorn Borg gives ‘grueling’ assessment as he compares his tennis era to today’s stars

Bjorn Borg is leading Team Europe in his final season at the Laver Cup, getting replaced by Yannick Noah in 2025.

Bjorn Borg gives ‘grueling’ assessment as he compares his tennis era to today’s stars

Carlos Alcaraz with Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe and Borg (via X)

Bjorn Borg believes that modern tennis is more “grueling” than during his era and claims today’s players have a “big responsibility” to promote the sport. The 68-year-old, in an interview with the New York Times, acknowledged that the game is tougher now and praised current stars for their role in growing tennis.

Borg is one of the most popular figures in tennis history, having won 11 Grand Slam titles and held the world No. 1 spot for 109 weeks. After retiring at 26, he mostly stayed away from tennis but returned in 2017 to captain Team Europe in the Laver Cup. He plans to lead the team for the final time in 2024.

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They hit the ball harder. It’s much more grueling to play the way they do. There is also the TV aspect to it. They are big stars. Tennis has become one of the biggest sports in the world and they have a big responsibility. They have to inspire people and promote the sport. It’s different than if you are a star in football. You don’t have to promote your sport. But if we talk about their fame, then they must be doing a great job.
Bjorn Borg said in an interview with New York Times

During his career, Borg won six French Open titles and five Wimbledon titles. However, mental burnout led him to retire early. One key difference between Borg’s era and now is the presence of larger support teams for players.

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In Borg’s time, players typically traveled with just a coach. Today’s ATP and WTA stars often have entire teams, including hitting partners, physiotherapists, and psychologists, traveling with them.

Bjorn Borg refuses Stefanos Tsitsipas’ coaching role

Stefanos Tsitsipas made a light-hearted attempt to name his next coach but was quickly turned down. The world No. 12 recently parted ways with his father, Apostolos, who had coached him for his entire career.

Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas (Image via X)

Tsitsipas is currently participating in the Laver Cup and tried to recruit Bjorn Borg, his Team Europe captain, as his new coach. Borg, who has led Team Europe since the Laver Cup began seven years ago, is stepping down after this year’s event.

For me personally, I'm very old, but to spend time with these guys, and I have been doing that for many years, and I respect and I like the way they are as persons, not only tennis, but personality is very important. That's why for him to be, my loss, yeah, to be this week together with me, it's fantastic.
Bjorn Borg said at the Laver Cup

Both Borg and Team World captain John McEnroe are enjoying their final tournament as captains in Berlin. When Tsitsipas asked Borg to mentor him, the Swedish legend politely declined, stating that he wasn’t interested in being a full-time coach.

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Even though Borg refused the offer, Tsitsipas praised him, calling Borg a special person to have around the team. For now, the Greek star would be hoping to play an important role in Team Europe’s potential fifth Laver Cup title.