Bjorn Borg decides not to sell Wimbledon trophies

Bjorn Borg has decided not to sell his five replica Wimbledon trophies and two rackets he used during his winning streak at the tournament. Borg had said he was putting the items up for sale because he and his family needed long-term financial security.

"After great consideration and reasoning, I have decided that I will never sell my Wimbledon trophies and rackets and I have withdrawn them from sale," the Swede said in a statement yesterday.

"I now realise how closely connected they are to my success as Wimbledon's winner in 1976-80 and this revelation has caused me to reconsider my earlier intention to sell them."

The trophies and two of the rackets he used in that winning streak had been expected to fetch up to £300,000 at Bonham's auction in London of sports memorabilia on June 21.

US tennis star Andre Agassi had expressed interest in acquiring the trophies and rackets to keep them out of the "wrong hands."

Dubbed "Ice Man" by the media for his emotionless performances on court, Borg raked in millions of dollars in prize money during his career before he retired in 1984 aged just 26.

Borg still makes money from the branding of his name, most notably on a successful underwear line.