Tennis History: Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors
The purpose of this research is to explore the styles and legacies of two tennis champions: Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors. Bjorn Borg, born June 6, 1956, grew up in Sweden where he enjoyed playing ice hockey as a child. At age 11 Bjorn began taking tennis more seriously when he became a member of a hometown tennis club. By age 12 Bjorn had developed some antisocial behaviors on the court including throwing rackets and swearing. In response, the tennis club suspended Borg for six months. After three months, Borg returned begging to be allowed back on the court, but the club management held the suspension firm and told Borg to go home and wait another three months (Star Sports). Borg returned with a fresh attitude and with diligent practice competed in junior competitions, beating Sweden's best under-18 players. Though he received criticism for his bowlegged stance and rough and jerky strokes, Davis Cup captain Lennart Bergelin defended Borg's style because it was highly effective (Star Sports). By age 14, Borg was playing on the professional circuit and by age 15 he represented his country at the Davis Cup.
Prior to the 1970s, professional tennis players were not the mainstream pop-stars the way that many are today. In fact, tennis was experiencing a lull in popularity as many players declined invitations to play at Wimbledon, claiming loyalty to the newly formed players "union," the Association of Tennis Professionals (Newcombe, 1). But Borg challenged the status quo with his long golden hair, calculating mental approach to the game, immaculate timing, and general charisma on the court. Borg was also young, good looking, quiet, and mysterious such that whether he won or lost, women stormed the court. Prior to Borg's arrival on the scene, it would have been unheard of for fans to storm a court at Wimbledon, the tennis world's pinnacle of custom and chivalry. ...