Björn Borg

The Ice Man — 11 Grand Slam titles including five consecutive Wimbledons, and tennis's first global superstar.

Björn Rune Borg was born in Södertelje, Sweden in 1956 and won 11 Grand Slam titles between 1974 and 1981: six French Opens and five consecutive Wimbledons (1976–1980). He was ranked world number one and his rivalry with John McEnroe — particularly the 1980 Wimbledon final — produced what is widely considered the greatest single match in tennis history. Borg won the fourth-set tiebreak 18-16 before McEnroe took the fifth set and the title. The following year, Borg won a fifth consecutive Wimbledon. He retired aged 26 in 1982, at the peak of his powers, citing burnout. His two-handed backhand and heavy topspin forehand were revolutionary in the 1970s and are now standard technique. His ice-cold temperament earned him the nickname the Ice Man. He was the first male player to win 10 Grand Slams and his five consecutive Wimbledons have never been equalled. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.

Borg was renowned for his powerful topspin groundstrokes from the baseline and exceptional court coverage. His two-handed backhand was revolutionary for its time and generated tremendous topspin and accuracy. He possessed extraordinary mental composure and fitness, earning the nickname 'Ice Man' for his calm demeanor under pressure.

Borg's success popularized tennis globally and inspired a generation of baseline players who adopted his topspin-heavy style. His rivalry with McEnroe remains one of sport's greatest and helped elevate tennis to new heights of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.

• Wimbledon 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 (5 consecutive)
• French Open 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 (6 titles)
• Davis Cup 1975 (Sweden)
• World No.1 1977–1981
• ITF World Champion 1978, 1979, 1980