Bjorn Borg delivers ‘gruelling’ verdict as he compares his era of tennis to current stars

 

Bjorn Borg, a tennis legend who dominated the sport in the 1970s and early 80s, recently shared his perspective on how modern tennis compares to his era. Borg noted that today’s tennis is significantly more “gruelling” due to the physical demands placed on players. He highlighted how current stars hit the ball much harder and face more intense rallies, which makes the game tougher

 

physically than during his playing days. Borg also acknowledged the importance of larger support teams—such as physios and hitting partners—that modern players have, a luxury he didn’t enjoy during his career​recently shared his perspective on how modern tennis compares to his era. Borg noted that today’s tennis is significantly more “gruelling” due to the physical demands placed on players. He highlighted how current stars hit the ball much harder and face more intense rallies, which makes the game tougher physically than during his playing days. Borg also acknowledged the importance of larger support teams—such as physios and hitting partners—that modern players have, a luxury he didn’t enjoy during his career【8†source】【9†source】.

In addition to the physicality, Borg touched on the growing responsibility modern players have in promoting the sport. He pointed out that tennis has become one of the world’s largest sports, and the current generation of stars not only compete but also inspire and engage with fans globally. This aspect of fame, he suggested, is different from athletes in other sports like football, where the burden of promotion isn’t as heavy【8†source】.

Borg retired early at 26 due to burnout but remains active in tennis through his leadership role in the Laver Cup. In 2024, he plans to step down as captain of Team Europe, marking the end of his involvement with the event【9†source】.