Borg won't sell Wimbledon trophies

Bjorn Borg has decided not to sell his five replica Wimbledon trophies and two racquets 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great consideration and reasoning, I have decided that I will never sell my Wimbledon trophies and racquets and I have withdrawn them from sale," the Swede said in a statement on Monday.

"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 racquets he used in that winning streak had been expected to fetch up to 300,000 pounds 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 racquets to keep them out of the "wrong hands."

"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," Borg said.

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.

But he could not repeat his on-court success in his fashion business ventures.

Bjorn Borg Design Group crashed in 1989 and he is being sued for 11 million crowns (809,000 pounds) by former business associate designer Lars Modin. They case is due to come to court next month.

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