Good News: An Open Letter from Björn Borg To Jimmy Connors, Fans, and the Entire Tennis Legends Community
Dear Jimmy, Dear Fans, and All My Fellow Tennis Legends,
As I sit and reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us here, I feel compelled to put pen to paper and share something that has been on my heart for quite some time. Tennis, for me, was never just a game; it was a lifelong bond — a connection forged with rivals, friends, fans, and the sport itself. Today, I want to celebrate not just what I achieved, but what we built together, and why this moment feels like good news for all of us who have ever lifted a racket in pursuit of greatness.
Jimmy, our rivalry was one of the fiercest the sport has ever seen, but also one of the most meaningful. Every time we stepped onto the court, the atmosphere was electric. The fans didn’t just watch us play — they lived every point, every rally, every swing of momentum. You brought fire, passion, and relentless energy. I countered with calm, patience, and control. Together, we created something that transcended tennis: we created theater, drama, and timeless memories that will live long beyond our final match.
To the fans, I must say this: without your voices, your cheers, your unwavering loyalty, none of this would have been possible. When I first walked onto Wimbledon’s Centre Court, a young Swede with long hair and a quiet demeanor, I could never have imagined the bond I would form with the crowds of London, Paris, New York, and cities around the world. You pushed me through exhaustion, lifted me through doubt, and celebrated my victories as if they were your own. For that, I am forever grateful.
But perhaps the greatest gift of my tennis life is not the titles, trophies, or records — though they were meaningful in their time — but the brotherhood and respect we, the legends of this sport, share with one another. Jimmy, John [McEnroe], Ivan [Lendl], Guillermo [Vilas], and so many others — our battles were intense, sometimes controversial, but they bound us together. Decades later, when we shake hands and smile, the rivalry melts away, and what remains is pure respect.
I believe this is the good news tennis desperately needs to celebrate in today’s era: the reminder that rivalry does not mean hostility. That passion does not erase respect. That fierce competition can coexist with friendship. Our generation embodied that truth. We played not for money, endorsements, or fame — though those came — but for honor, for pride, and for the chance to test ourselves against the very best.
Jimmy, you were always one of my greatest challenges, and also one of my greatest inspirations. You forced me to raise my game, to dig deeper, and to never settle for less than excellence. And I know I did the same for you. Together, we shaped the golden age of tennis, and for that, I will always salute you.
To the fans, especially the young ones, I say this: never forget that the sport you love today stands on the shoulders of countless legends who gave everything to build its foundation. The modern game is faster, flashier, and richer than ever, but its soul remains the same. It is still about the duel between two players, one ball, one net, and the courage to fight until the last point is played.
And to my fellow legends — Jimmy, John, and all of you — let us never underestimate the gift we have to inspire. Our era is now history, but history is not forgotten. Every time a child picks up a racket and dreams of Wimbledon or Roland Garros, part of that dream was planted by what we created. That is our legacy. That is our eternal victory.
So, Jimmy, and all who read this letter, I share good news: the spirit of tennis is alive and thriving, carried forward by today’s stars but rooted in the rivalries and friendships of our time. The bonds we share, the respect we built, and the inspiration we sparked will never fade. They are as eternal as the green grass of Wimbledon, as enduring as the clay of Paris, as bright as the lights of New York.
Thank you, Jimmy, for being both my rival and my companion on this remarkable journey. Thank you, fans, for walking every step with us. And thank you, tennis, for giving me a life richer than I ever dreamed possible.
With gratitude and respect,
Björn Borg
