Sports/Olympics / Special Coverage
Agassi looks at buying Borg's Wimbledon trophies
by Reuters
Updated: 2006-03-13 15:22
INDIAN WELLS March 12 (Reuters) - Andre Agassi is attempting to put
together a consortium to buy Bjorn Borg's five replica Wimbledon trophies.
Financially-strapped Swede Borg is planning to auction off the five
trophies he won between 1976 and 1980 as well as two signed rackets he
used.
The sale is due to go ahead on June 21 at Bonham's salerooms in London
and the trophies and rackets are collectively expected to bring in
between 200,000 and 300,000 pounds ($521,100). "I've discussed it with my
own people to find a way of gathering the right people together to buy
those trophies and do right by the game to purchase them," Agassi told
reporters at the Pacific Life Open.
"I think there's a lot of people who could step up to help for sure --
Wimbledon being one and myself another."
In a statement, the 50-year-old Borg said he had decided to put the items
up for auction because he and his family need long-term financial
security.
Agassi, who won the 1992 Wimbledon title, was saddened by the news.
"It's not right," he said. "The only way you should have a Wimbledon
trophy is if you win it, not buy one. I can't make any judgments on
Bjorn, but I can say that the thought of a Wimbledon trophy being in the
hands of somebody who has a lot of money is upsetting. Wimbledon is the
greatest tournament in the world."
Agassi said he wants to ensure the trophies stay in tennis. The
35-year-old wouldn't reveal who he is working with, but did say he'd like
to see them put in a museum.
"I think it would be amazing for the fans of tennis to be able to see
them," Agassi said. "But first things first. I'd like to see the sport
come together to figure out a way to make sure they don't get into the
wrong hands."
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