Bjorn Borg's Next Top Model

   

above left: Borg in his heyday (Rex), right: Bjorn Borg underwear

In the late Seventies, women everywhere were completely ga-ga about Bjorn Borg: an international sex symbol, he was also one of the all time greats of the game, racking up five Wimbledon titles in a row and pulling off the French Open/Wimbledon double (a feat not to be underestimated – nobody has managed it since) for three of those years.

After hanging up his famous wooden raquet, Borg turned his attention to the Bjorn Borg clothing line (for a very entertaining account of his career, visit http://www.bjornborg.net/ and click on The Saga). To celebrate the arrival of Bjorn Borg underwear on figleaves.com, we nabbed a quick q&a with the legend himself. Here’s what he had to say about lucky pants, his final match against John McEnroe, and the star he’d like to see modelling his clothing (clue: it’s not Federer). Read our exclusive interview after the click.

above: Bjorn Borg pictured last year (wireimage)

Did you have a pair of lucky pants when you won Wimbledon?

“No I didn´t actually have a pair of lucky pants. At that time I had a shirt, which was precious to me – a striped green and white Fila shirt.”

 
How did you feel about playing against McEnroe for one last time in Dubai? [Borg lost 6-4, 4-6, 4-10 when he played John McEnroe for the very last time at an exhibition match in Dubai.]

“It has always been special playing against John, not only this time but all of our matches.  This time was however very nice – we had a good game and both of us were very pleased.  It did not matter that I lost...”

Will you retire from the seniors tour after Dubai?

“I will continue to play tennis and be involved in different activities but I will do it on a lower scale.”

Which of the players who came after you would you like to have competed against?

“From the stars of today I really respect Federer and Nadal. They are really professional and have added flavour to the game. They are really interesting to watch because of their different games.” 

Do you think any modern player could replicate your French/Wimbledon double?

“It would be Nadal or Federer and if I had to go for one it would be Federer.”

Did you ever think of yourself as a style icon?

“No I never thought of myself as a style icon. I can see that the way I dressed and how people looked upon me created that.” 

How does the Bjorn Borg range reflect your personal style?

“I think the brand has its heritage from both my active career and the way I dressed off court.”

Which of today’s sports stars could you see modelling your range?

“Look at Nadal and how young girls run after him and then you have the answer.”

What style of underpant is best for playing sport?

“I have to say that you need to go with what you feel comfortable with…”