Björn Borg's memoir, *Heartbeats*, starts with his 1990s hospitalisation after overdosing on 'alcohol, drugs, pills – my preferred ways of self-medication'.

What led to his retirement?

Björn Borg was 25 when he realised he was done with tennis, after losing the 1981 Wimbledon and US Open finals to John McEnroe.
He grabbed some beers and sat in the pool at a house on Long Island, where friends planned a party to celebrate a victory.

His struggles with cocaine

Björn Borg writes about panic attacks and his drug use, which he says started in 1982, giving him 'the same kind of rush I used to get from tennis'.
He also writes about 'the worst shame of all', which he says came when he looked up from a hospital bed in Holland to see his father.
Björn Borg clarifies that an earlier overdose, in 1989 in Italy, was accidental, not a suicide attempt.

His life after tennis

Björn Borg was famously private, keeping a lot to himself during his days on tour – as well as since he surprisingly retired in his 20s.
He brings readers back to when he earned the nickname 'Ice-Borg' for calmness on court – often contrasted by fans to the more fiery John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors.
Björn Borg writes that this nickname did not come about 'organically', but rather via 'the bitter experiences' of a 12-year-old kid.
He behaved badly on the tennis court, swearing, cheating, and behaving the worst you can imagine, which led to a six-month ban from his hometown tennis club.

His reflections on life

Björn Borg, 69, said in a recent video interview with the Associated Press from his home in Stockholm, 'It's good to have a good beginning and a good ending'.
His 292-page book, set for US release on 23 September by Diversion Books, details his love life, adventures, regrets, and match recollections.
Björn Borg name-drops Trump, Arafat, Warhol, Hefner, Tina Turner in his memoir, painting the picture of quite a life.
He had a water-skiing shoulder injury before the 1977 U.S. Open and received death threats during the 1981 US Open.
Björn Borg got paid in cash and got robbed at gunpoint, and a woman claimed he was the father of her son.
Coin-throwing by spectators in Rome led him to never return.
Björn Borg's book concludes with a prostate cancer diagnosis, a challenging ending to a remarkable life.
And Björn Borg's story serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes can face struggles off the court.
But Björn Borg's legacy continues to inspire tennis fans around the world.
So his memoir offers a unique glimpse into the life of a tennis legend.
Björn Borg's experiences, both on and off the court, are a testament to his strength and resilience.