Stockholm: Bjorn Borg has decided not to auction off his five Wimbledon trophies after all.
The Swedish great, the only player to win five straight Wimbledon titles, changed his mind after pleas from his fans, London acution house Bonhams said on Monday.
Borg had announced earlier this month he would sell his trophies and two of his title-winning wooden rackets in order to achieve "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great consideration and reasoning, I have decided that I will never sell my Wimbledon trophies and rackets and I have withdrawn them from sale," Borg said in a statement issued by Bonhams.
"Trophies of this kind have a meaning that goes beyond my comprehension of the victories, as they emphasise the bond between me as a player and all the people, family, friends and fans that have stood behind me through the years - people that have my love and respect."
Andre Agassi and other players had urged Borg not to sell the trophies.
Borg won his Wimbledon titles between 1976 and 1980. The five silver gilt trophies had been expected to fetch between £200,000-£300,000 ($350,000-$525,000).
Since his career ended, Borg has had several failed financial ventures. He fought hard to avoid personal bankruptcy after a company that marketed clothing under his name ran into deep financial trouble in 1990 and was restructured.
In 1997, Borg's friends stepped in to help him avoid bankruptcy after 11 creditors demanded he pay more than $1 million owed from the failed clothing company.
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