The Tennis Legend Takes Life ‘One Step at a Time’ Post ‘Intense’ Prostate Illness Diagnosis
The former world number one, a legendary tennis champion, has revealed that he is taking life “one day at a time” post an “extremely aggressive” prostate illness diagnosis.
Health Update
The retired tennis star, who stepped away from the sport at 25, shared the personal challenge in the final chapter of his personal story, coming out shortly. The Swede is currently in remission after undergoing surgery in the past, but admitted that the revelation was “difficult psychologically”.
“I spoke to the doctor and he said it’s an aggressive form,” Borg shared. “He explained about inactive cancerous cells and it’s going to be a fight going forward. Every six months I get examined. I did my last test two weeks ago. It’s a thing I have to live with.”
Past Difficulties
In his autobiography Borg writes about panic attacks and substance abuse, beginning in 1982. “When I first used drugs,” he mentions, “I got the same kind of rush from my competing days.”
He narrates being rushed to a Dutch hospital in the 1990s following excessive use on “a combination of intoxicants — my preferred ways of self-medication”. Additionally, he describes “a moment of humiliation”, which he says came when he looked up while hospitalized with his parent present following a repeat incident.
Retirement Reflections
Throughout the memoir Borg describes his decision to retire in his twenties following defeats major tournaments to his rival John McEnroe. “All I could think that my happiness was gone,” he states.
