Leo Borg has played two official matches on the ATP circuit this season. One in July, in Bastad, where he faced Rafa Nadal in the first round. The other, a couple of days ago in Stockholm, against Alexandre Muller. In both, he came out defeated, confirming that these suits still fit him a little large, although the Swede continues to pursue his dream. Overcoming the burden of being Björn Borg’s son, adapting to a more demanding circuit with each tournament, and above all, surpassing himself in search of that better version that will lead him to the elite. In a conversation with Tennis Majors, the 21-year-old tennis player discusses where his focus is now.
“Honestly, I don’t think I ever got into the match against Muller, he played very solid, quite rocky, so it’s easy to lose your position a bit; against opponents like this, there’s always a risk of deviating from the pattern,” Leo begins to analyze his most recent defeat of 6-3 and 7-6. “I made a great effort, although I am aware that I can give much more, so I am not at all satisfied with my performance in this match,” says the man who has had to carry the burden of having a legend under the same roof all his life.
“I would say that Maximilian Ibrahimovic, Zlatan’s son, and I are in a very similar position, both of us have a very famous father, especially in our country,” he comments with sympathy. “What’s the key? Focus on yourself, on your path, on your own development as a player. Personally, I tend to play a little better when under pressure, so I hope he feels the same. What is clear is that it is impossible to progress without focusing on your own path and your own progression,” evaluates the two-handed backhand player, a tennis player who still has a whole career ahead of him.
Currently ranked #590 in the world—although in 2023 he reached #334 in the rankings—Borg is patient with his journey, not in a rush, guided at all times by a dream he will pursue until it becomes a reality. “Tennis has been my life since I was very young, it is still as fun for me as the first day, it is something that I am passionate about, so I will do everything possible to become a good player, I will do everything in my power to reach the top. Right now, I am very focused and motivated to achieve this dream,” he points out with humility and eagerness to work.
IDOLIZING SOMEONE ABOVE HIS FATHER
But if there’s one thing that doesn’t change in Leo’s speech, it’s his reaction every time he hears a name, but not just any name. I’m referring to that athlete who has marked his life, that man who won so many Grand Slam titles, capable of inspiring him in every match and arousing that impulse to want to emulate him on the court. I know, most will be thinking I’m talking about his father, the eternal Björn Borg, but they are mistaken. Above his own blood, the Swede holds Rafa Nadal as that completely idealized competitor to look up to on tough days.
“Rafa has always been my biggest idol,” he acknowledges without hesitation. “He is probably the reason why I started playing tennis, so he holds a very important place in my heart. Ever since I can remember, I have watched all the matches he has played, I know almost all of his results. Having the opportunity to face him before he decided to announce his retirement was huge for me, one of my biggest dreams come true, I will remember it for the rest of my life,” he concludes with emotion.
Leave a Reply