A collection of biographies of renowned sports men and women from a range of different sports. From Serena to Senna, from Biles to Boardman, read about their struggles and successes in their own words. These books give an insight into the lives and experiences of sporting heroes.
"...the best sports books are a lens through which to view life from a new perspective and to see a greater truth."
Piper, B. (2018) Why Sports Books are Worth Reading (and a list of the best ones).
A champion's mind
by
Game, Set, Match
by
Fedegraphica: a Graphic Biography of the Genius of Roger Federer
by
Open
by
The Borg–McEnroe rivalry was a tennis rivalry between Björn Borg and John McEnroe, who met 14 times on the regular tour and 22 times in total between November 1978 and September 1981. Their head-to-head was even at 7–7. Their on-court rivalry was highlighted by their contrasting temperaments and playing styles: the Swede Borg was known for his cool and emotionless demeanour on court, while the American McEnroe was famed for his court-side tantrums. As a result, their rivalry was described as "Fire and Ice".
In 1980, McEnroe reached the singles final at Wimbledon for the first time, where he faced Borg, who was aiming for an Open Era record fifth consecutive Wimbledon title. At the start of the final McEnroe was booed by the crowd as he entered Centre Court following his heated exchanges with officials during his semi-final clash with Jimmy Connors. In a fourth set tie-breaker that lasted 20 minutes, McEnroe saved five match points (seven altogether in that set) and eventually won 18–16. However, he was unable to break Borg's serve in the fifth set and Borg went on to win 8–6. This match is widely considered one of the best tennis matches ever played. McEnroe then defeated Borg at the US Open final the same year in five sets, which is also considered one of the best matches ever.
In 1981, McEnroe returned to Wimbledon and again faced Borg in the singles final. This time it was the American who prevailed and defeated Borg to end the Swede's run of 41 straight match victories at the All England Club. At the US Open in the same season, McEnroe was again victorious, winning in four sets, after which Borg walked off the court and out of the stadium before the ceremonies and press conference had begun. Borg retired shortly afterwards, having never won the US Open despite reaching four finals. Their final confrontation came in 1983 in Tokyo at the Suntory Cup (invitational tournament), with Borg prevailing in three sets.
