Forty-six years after his dad's first Wimbledon, Leo Borg makes junior debut

In 1973, a 17-year-old Swedish sensation made his Wimbledon debut, and for most spectators on the grounds that fortnight, it was their first look at this polished teenager. His smooth on-court style was complemented by silky golden locks and a tranquil temperament, future hallmarks of his iconic image that ultimately transcended tennis as a global brand.

Bjorn Borg emerged on the world stage the ensuing year, when he won his first of six Roland Garros titles. He would also capture five consecutive Wimbledon crowns, culminated with a dramatic, five-set win over John McEnroe in 1980 in one of the greatest matches of all time. Borg's success would inspire the next generation of his country's superstars, in Mats Wilander and Stefan Edberg.

Forty six years after the 11-time major champion's first appearance at Wimbledon, his son, Leo, stepped onto the lawns of the All England Club for the first time. Playing in the qualifying tournament of the boys’ singles event, Leo—whose "resemblance to his father was striking," according to one observer—fell to Louis Pourroy, 6-1, 6-4.

The sport has changed drastically since his father’s era: deeper competition, advances in technology and pushing players to test the boundaries of their physical strength and stamina like never before.

For 16-year-old Leo, this week marked not only his first junior Grand Slam event, but his first visit to the hallowed grounds of the grass-court major. As a kid, he played other sports like soccer, but he always had an affinity for tennis from the start.

“I’m looking forward so much to playing. This year is my first time on grass and I really liked it,” Leo told TENNIS.com. “It is different, and it will take some time to get used to it, but I think I can play on all surfaces.”

Like many parents, Bjorn and Leo's mother, Patricia, do everything in their power to support their child's ambitions. While his father is an incredible resource of information and inspiration, Leo is the one mapping out each step of the way as he builds his own tennis identity.

“We value this highly and try to focus on the most important thing, his tennis development,” says Leo's agent, Nina Wennerstrom, founder of Wesport. “He is the type of player that sees the opportunity of winning rather than being afraid to lose, which is a huge advantage in this competitive sport.”

With the men’s game dominated by baseline bashing and defensive dexterity, Leo’s avenue towards a professional career poses different challenges to Bjorn’s. Perhaps it’s why Leo, who shares his father’s easy-going nature and Fila-branded attire, is determined to create his own tennis trademark.

“I have a double-handed backhand like my father but I want to find my own style. Today, everyone is hitting so much harder,” says Leo. “I have not watched much of my father’s matches. I am looking forward to enjoying the tournament and learning.”

As for Wennerstrom, whose firm also represents the likes of Kiki Bertens, Yulia Putintseva and 16-year-old Roland Garros junior champion Holger Rune, she believes Leo’s potential extends far beyond his tennis champion DNA.

“Leo has the understanding of the game and the mental strength to make it," she says. "He loves tennis, competing on the court. He has his own dreams and own path.”

Photos: Bjorn Borg (Getty Images); Leo Borg (FILA/Ray Giubilo)