"If I go somewhere I could not be by myself" - Bjorn Borg hints at lack of privacy contributing to his early retirement

Swedish tennis star Bjorn Borg was at the top of the tennis world in the 1980's, but shocked everyone with a sudden retirement at just 26 years of age. Now the former World No.1 has shed some light on what led to his decision to leave the sport he loves at such a young age.

The Stockholm native had an incredible career that saw him win 11 Grand Slam singles titles, lifting six at Roland Garros and five consecutive Wimbledon crowns. However, Borg sent shockwaves through the tennis community when he suddenly announced his retirement at age 26.

As he added more accolades to his resume, Borg found himself inevitable thrust into the limelight. Being a private person by nature, the Swede found it difficult to deal with his constant exposure to the public.

I think if you lose motivation, because in my time, few years ago or many years ago," said Borg to the media at the Madrid Open. "If I go somewhere I could not be by myself. I had the media, the photographers-I could not be myself- to be private, to feel good about life in that way.
"The only time when I felt really good was when I went to the court, the tennis court. I was by myself, no one disturbing me. That was satisfaction for me." "And I think I'm Swedish to be private, but for me it's more important to have a life, to feel good. But I'm very satisfied with what I did in tennis. Very Very happy."

Borg would win 66 singles titles during his career, while spending 109 total weeks as the World No.1.