Bjorn Borg has claimed tennis in the modern era is more “gruelling” than it was during his playing career and admitted current stars have a “big responsibility” to promote the sport.
One of the most popular players in the history of the sport, Borg won 11 Grand Slam singles titles during his playing career and spent 109 weeks as the world No 1.
The Swedish icon largely stayed away from tennis after his retirement but has captained Team Europe at the Laver Cup since 2017, and is leading the team for one final time in 2024.
Speaking to the New York Times, the 68-year-old admitted the way modern players play was tougher than during his career, and praised current stars for embracing the role they play in growing the sport.
He said: “They hit the ball harder. It’s much more gruelling 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.
“They all understand that no one player is bigger than the sport itself.”
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Borg was just 26 when he retired from the sport after a career that saw him win six French Open and five Wimbledon titles, with mental burnout a key factor in his decision.
One of the key differences between Borg’s playing career compared to now was the lack of an entourage, with the Swede often just travelling with his coach with him.
Nowadays, stars on the ATP and WTA will usually also have hitting partners, physios, and psychologists travel with them.
“They have the big teams around them and these people are doing an incredible job,” the Swede added.
“I did OK, even if I stopped too early, but I never had that big team of people to go around the world with that makes you feel so supported.
I was the first one who really travelled with a coach. Today everyone has a coach and a physio and all these other people. Tennis, it’s such a demanding sport.
“It’s really tough because you are basically out there by yourself. So you really need that.”
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