BREAKING NEWS: Netflix is ​​releasing a long-awaited documentary about the legend of Björn Borg. It is scheduled to be released on September 20, 2025.

The world of tennis and sports documentaries is set to welcome an extraordinary new addition as Netflix announces the release of a long-awaited documentary chronicling the life and career of Swedish tennis legend Björn Borg. This release marks a significant moment not only for fans of the sport but also for those fascinated by stories of human excellence, psychological intensity, and the cost of greatness. Titled Borg: Beyond the Baseline, the documentary promises an intimate, in-depth look at one of the most enigmatic and revolutionary figures in tennis history.

Björn Borg, often referred to as the “Ice Man” due to his stoic demeanor on the court, rose to fame in the 1970s and early 1980s, redefining the standards of athleticism, mental focus, and style in professional tennis. He captured the public imagination with his grace, power, and unwavering calm. Winning eleven Grand Slam singles titles—including six French Opens and five consecutive Wimbledon titles between 1976 and 1980—Borg’s dominance in a relatively short span of time laid the foundation for modern tennis greatness.

The Netflix documentary aims to go far beyond the statistics and highlight reels. Over the course of nearly two years of production, the filmmakers traveled extensively to gather unseen footage, conduct exclusive interviews, and uncover hidden chapters of Borg’s life. It includes rare conversations with Borg himself, who, for years, maintained a carefully guarded privacy. His reflections on his career, personal struggles, early fame, burnout, and eventual withdrawal from tennis at the age of just 26 offer a revealing glimpse into the mind of a sportsman who once seemed nearly untouchable.

The documentary features commentary from tennis legends such as John McEnroe, with whom Borg shared one of the sport’s most famous rivalries, culminating in their iconic 1980 Wimbledon final. McEnroe’s insights bring emotional weight and contrast to Borg’s quiet intensity, emphasizing how their dynamic defined an era. Also appearing are other greats like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Mats Wilander, each reflecting on Borg’s influence on their own games and on the evolution of tennis as a whole.

What sets this documentary apart is its exploration of the psychological toll of early success. Borg turned professional at the age of 15 and quickly became an international superstar. The film delves into the pressures of being a teen icon, the burden of expectation, and the quiet, internal struggles that accompanied his fame. Using never-before-seen personal diaries, archival footage, and interviews with close friends and family, Borg: Beyond the Baseline paints a picture of a man who appeared calm on the surface but was often battling inner storms.

A significant portion of the film is dedicated to Borg’s abrupt retirement in 1983. At the height of his powers and still considered the best in the world by many, Borg walked away from the game without fanfare. This decision baffled fans and pundits alike, and it remains one of the most dramatic exits in sports history. The documentary explores this turning point not as a mystery, but as a natural outcome of years of relentless pressure, the pursuit of perfection, and emotional fatigue. His journey resonates with a new generation of athletes facing similar struggles in an era that is just beginning to understand mental health in sports.

The visual style of the documentary is both cinematic and intimate. Shot in high definition and often in subdued, natural lighting, the film captures both the glamour and isolation of elite athletic life. Drone footage over Stockholm and Monte Carlo contrasts sharply with dimly lit training rooms and solitary practice sessions. The editing is tight, with a narrative that moves back and forth in time, threading together his meteoric rise with moments of solitude and reflection in later years.

Director Anja Lundqvist, making her debut in the documentary feature space, has previously worked on acclaimed Swedish dramas and brings a nuanced, character-driven approach to the storytelling. Her direction allows the viewer to feel close to Borg, not as an untouchable legend, but as a human being with fears, doubts, and a complicated relationship with fame. Lundqvist has said in interviews that she was drawn to Borg’s story not just for his accomplishments, but for the silence and mystery that surrounded his departure from the limelight.

The soundtrack for the documentary features an original score by acclaimed Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds, whose atmospheric and emotional music underscores the film’s themes of isolation, beauty, and transcendence. The score blends modern minimalism with classical motifs, mirroring the elegance and power of Borg’s playing style.

In addition to personal and sporting achievements, the documentary does not shy away from controversies and personal challenges. It touches on Borg’s post-retirement business ventures, his well-publicized financial troubles in the 1990s, and his efforts to rebuild his life and image. Interviews with his former coach Lennart Bergelin, ex-wife Mariana Simionescu, and son Leo Borg—who is himself now a rising tennis player—add layers of complexity to the narrative.

One of the most emotionally resonant sections of the documentary deals with Borg’s relationship with his son. In recent years, Leo has begun to attract attention for his performances on the junior circuit. The film captures the tension between legacy and individuality, as Leo attempts to forge his own identity in a sport still echoing with his father’s name. Their conversations, captured in candid moments at home and during training, reveal a bond built on mutual respect and shared passion, even as they navigate the shadow of expectation.

Netflix plans a global release for Borg: Beyond the Baseline, with subtitles available in over 30 languages. As part of the rollout, the platform is also planning a limited theatrical release in major cities including Stockholm, London, Paris, and New York, along with panel discussions featuring tennis historians, athletes, and mental health advocates.

The announcement of the documentary has already generated significant buzz online. Sports journalists, tennis fans, and cultural commentators have praised Netflix’s decision to spotlight a figure whose legacy often remains underappreciated by younger generations. On social media, many have pointed out that while today’s tennis world celebrates Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, it was Borg who first brought global cool to the game.

Ultimately, Borg: Beyond the Baseline promises not just to be a sports documentary, but a meditation on perfection, pressure, and personal reinvention. It’s a story of silence and sensation, of battles won on court and battles fought within. Whether you’re a tennis fan or someone who’s never watched a match, this film aims to resonate deeply—reminding us that even legends are human.

Mark your calendars for September 20, 2025. This is one story that deserves to be seen.