Stockholm, March 27:

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 auction house Bonhams said.

Borg had announced earlier this month he would sell his trophies and two of his title-winning wood 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great consideration and reasoning, I have decided that I will never sell my Wimbledon trophies and rackets and I have withdrawn them from sale,” Borg said.

“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 family, friends and fans that have stood behind me through the years — people that have my love and respect.” ‘

Borg won Wimbledon titles from 1976-1980. The trophies had been expected to fetch between $350,000 to $525,000. Borg has had several failed financial ventures. He fought hard to avoid bankruptcy after a company that marketed clothing under his name ran into 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 clothing company.