“Björn Borg Was the Love of My Life”: Mariana Simionescu Reflects on Their Romance, the Life of a Tennis Legend, and the Emotions Behind the Swedish Hero
The enigmatic Björn Borg, known for his ice-cold demeanor on the tennis court, remains one of the greatest athletes in sports history. Yet behind the steely facade of the “Ice Man” was a man capable of deep passion and vulnerability, as revealed by his first wife, Mariana Simionescu. In an exclusive interview tied to the release of a new movie exploring Borg’s famous rivalry with John McEnroe, Simionescu offers a rare and heartfelt glimpse into their life together.
From their whirlwind romance to the pressures of being the partner of a global superstar, Simionescu shares candid reflections on the love they shared, the challenges they faced, and how she helped Borg reveal the emotions hidden behind his legendary composure.
Meeting Björn Borg: Love at First Sight
Mariana Simionescu, a talented tennis player from Romania, first met Björn Borg in 1976 during a tournament in Monte Carlo. At the time, Borg was already a rising star, celebrated for his calm under pressure and unparalleled skill. For Simionescu, the connection was instant.
“He had a magnetic presence,” she recalls. “There was something about him—quiet, intense, but also kind. It didn’t take long for us to realize there was something special between us.”
Their relationship blossomed quickly, and the pair became inseparable. Despite their different backgrounds, Borg and Simionescu found common ground in their shared love for tennis and their appreciation for life beyond the sport.
Life in the Spotlight
As Borg’s career soared to unprecedented heights, Simionescu found herself thrust into the limelight. By the late 1970s, Borg was the undisputed king of tennis, with five consecutive Wimbledon titles and six French Open victories to his name. He was a global icon, adored by fans and relentlessly pursued by the media.
For Simionescu, adjusting to life as the partner of a sporting legend was not without its challenges. “It was overwhelming at times,” she admits. “The attention was constant, and privacy was hard to come by. But Björn always made me feel like I was his priority. He had a way of making the chaos around us disappear when we were together.”
The Emotional Side of the “Ice Man”
Borg’s cool demeanor on the court earned him the nickname “Ice Man,” but Simionescu insists he was far from emotionless in private. “Björn was incredibly passionate and caring,” she says. “He had this ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations, but when we were alone, he wasn’t afraid to show his feelings.”
Simionescu believes that her presence in Borg’s life helped him tap into his emotions. “I think I brought out a side of him that the public didn’t see,” she explains. “He was deeply romantic and had a wonderful sense of humor. Those are the moments I treasure the most.”
Marriage and Challenges
Borg and Simionescu married in a lavish ceremony in Bucharest in 1980. The wedding was a grand affair, attended by friends, family, and a host of celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment. For a time, their life together seemed like a fairy tale.
However, the pressures of fame and Borg’s grueling tennis schedule began to take their toll. “Björn was under immense pressure to perform,” Simionescu says. “He carried the weight of expectations from millions of fans, and it was exhausting for him.”
As Borg’s career progressed, he began to struggle with burnout. By 1981, he had announced his shocking retirement from professional tennis at just 26 years old. For Simionescu, the decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, but it also brought new challenges.
The End of a Love Story
Despite their deep love for one another, Borg and Simionescu’s marriage ultimately came to an end in 1984. Simionescu admits that the split was painful but says it was a mutual decision. “We loved each other deeply, but sometimes love isn’t enough,” she reflects. “Björn needed to find his own path, and I needed to find mine.”
Simionescu harbors no bitterness about their breakup and speaks of Borg with great respect and admiration. “He was the love of my life,” she says simply. “I will always cherish the time we had together.”
Reflections on Borg’s Legacy
As the release of the new movie chronicling Borg’s rivalry with John McEnroe brings renewed attention to his career, Simionescu believes it’s important to remember the man behind the legend.
“Björn’s achievements on the court speak for themselves, but what made him truly special was his character,” she says. “He was humble, dedicated, and always true to himself. That’s the legacy he leaves behind.”
Simionescu hopes that the film will inspire a new generation of fans to appreciate not only Borg’s incredible talent but also the hard work and resilience that defined his career.
Life After Borg
Following her divorce from Borg, Simionescu largely stepped out of the public eye. She continued to stay involved in tennis, coaching and mentoring young players, but she chose to live a quieter life away from the spotlight.
Looking back, Simionescu says she has no regrets. “I’ve had a wonderful life, and I’ve been lucky to experience so many amazing things,” she says. “My time with Björn was a chapter of my life that I will always hold dear, but I’ve also found happiness in other ways.”
The Enduring Appeal of Björn Borg
Even decades after his retirement, Björn Borg remains one of the most iconic figures in tennis history. His rivalry with John McEnroe is considered one of the greatest in sports, and his impact on the game is still felt today.
For Simionescu, Borg’s enduring appeal is no surprise. “Björn had a unique ability to connect with people,” she says. “He wasn’t just a great athlete—he was a great person. That’s why people still admire him so much.”
A Love That Transcends Time
Though their romance ended long ago, Simionescu’s love for Borg remains evident in her words. She speaks of him with a warmth and affection that transcends the years and the challenges they faced.
“Björn will always hold a special place in my heart,” she says. “Our love story may not have had a happy ending, but it was real, and it was beautiful. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Conclusion
Mariana Simionescu’s reflections on her time with Björn Borg offer a rare glimpse into the private life of one of tennis’s most celebrated figures. Her words reveal a man who was not only a sporting legend but also a deeply human and emotional individual.
As fans flock to see the movie about Borg’s rivalry with John McEnroe, it’s worth remembering the personal stories that shaped his life and career. For Simionescu, her relationship with Borg was a love story filled with passion, challenges, and unforgettable moments—a story that will forever be etched in her heart.
