There are two things that jump out at you in this photo. First, Nelson Montfort (left) looks younger today than he did 30 years ago, isn't that crazy? Then that Björn Borg drew the bean this April 14. Just kidding! Let's go. Let's start again. It's no secret that Ashleigh Barty retired at the height of her glory last month at the age of 25, but the Swede had experienced this at almost the same age (26). After six French Opens and five Wimbledons, Borg was fed up with tennis and retired from the Fila circuit in 1983 (with a few matches played left and right until 1985).
Six years pass and the truth is that our friend is sweating like a dead rat. So when he was offered a series of exhibitions in the early 90s, it didn't take him five minutes to find his Donnay with a small screen at the back of the garage. Was this a good idea? Then we will clearly say no because eight defeats in a row in the first round in official tournaments in 1992, including the one in Nice, our photo, it may be a lot. Apparently he doesn't care if we trust his wide smile. Olivier Delaitre, his winner of the day, 43rd in the world, suffering from a bad cold, is lucid: "I played the thousandth ATP match (1121st precisely). I won in two sets (7-5, 6-2), it's normal."
Previously losing to a Frenchman would have given the Cannibal jaundice, but there, despite his medium sieve Head to which he finally resolved, Björn Borg is wearing the crown that a nostalgic fan has handed him. King of the hams? Not far from Delaitre's thoughts: "In the end, I almost got bored."Jacques Carducci, head of the tennis section of L'Équipe, suggested that Borg "not waste it all" and "not pursue it any further". A bit of a masochist on the edges, the Swede will nevertheless attempt three final matches the following year, for as many defeats.
BRUNO GARAY
