Tennis legend Bjorn Borg, 69, 'reveals secret cancer battle' in autobiography

TENNIS icon Bjorn Borg has reportedly revealed he's been secretly battling cancer.

The five-time Wimbledon winner, according to reports in Sweden and Italy, has revealed his diagnosis in his soon-to-be-released autobiography, 'Heartbeat'.

7 Tennis icon Bjorn Borg has reportedly revealed he's been battling cancer Credit: GETTY

7 Bjorn Borg is married to fellow former tennis star Patricia Ostfeldt Credit: GETTY

7 The five-time Wimbledon winner has reportedly revealed his health battle in his upcoming autobiography Credit: ALAMY

7 It's not known what type of cancer the Swede has been battling Credit: GETTY

The book is set to hit shelves worldwide on September 18, but has been made available earlier in Italy.

The type of cancer Borg has been battling has yet to be revealed.

And it's currently unclear whether or not the 69-year-old has recovered from his fight with the deadly disease.

Neither Borg nor any member of his family has commented on the revealing of his cancer diagnosis.

Borg is set to take part in a small press tour to promote his eagerly anticipated autobiography.

And it's widely expected that he'll field questions about his health from media members.

Borg is regarded by many to be one of the greatest players to ever grace a tennis court.

That's despite his professional career only lasting TEN YEARS due to his shock decision to hang up his raquet aged 26.

Bjorn Borg's career honours French Open 1974 - Winner 1975 - Winner 1978 - Winner 1979 - Winner 1980 - Winner 1981 - Winner Wimbledon 1976 - Winner 1977 - Winner 1978 - Winner 1979 - Winner 1980 - Winner US Open 1976 - Runner-up 1978 - Runner-up 1980 - Runner-up 1981 - Runner-up

7 Borg is regarded by many to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time

He stunned tennis fans worldwide by calling time on his glittering career in 1983.

Borg became the youngest-ever winner of a major when he won the 1974 French Open aged 18.

US Open star Iga Swiatek in tense exchange with reporter and slams 'why would you ask that' after shock exit

He'd claim a further ten major championships between 1974 and 1981 - a period in which he had an epic rivalry with fellow great John McEnroe.

His decision to call it quits when he was very much at the peak of his physical powers still, to this day, baffles tennis fans.

Borg has already revealed he walked away from the sport, which he briefly flirted with a return to in 1991, due to a lack of motivation.

But his upcoming memoir is set to further lift the lid on his stunning decision.

He told The Athletic last year: "I was very happy as a player.

"But the motivation was not there.

"If you don’t have the motivation to practice and compete every day, you can’t focus on what you do and what you need to do.

The motivation was not there Bjorn Borg on why he retired

7 The tennis power couple wed in 2002 Credit: GETTY

7 The couple have a son, Leo, who is also a tennis player Credit: MARC ASPLAND

"I was happy, but I had no motivation and no focus. When I came back briefly, that was a different story.

" I’m writing a book. I’m going to tell everyone all about it next year."

Borg is married to fellow former tennis player Patricia Ostfeld, with whom he has a son.

Leo, 22, has followed in his parents' footsteps by becoming a professional tennis player.

As of April, he was ranked No.1540 in the world.

Borg also has a son, Robin, from a previous marriage to Swedish model Jannike Bjorling.

Robin, 40, opted not to follow in his father's footsteps and is an ice hockey agent.

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