Jonas Åkerlund will direct a movie adaptation of tennis legend Björn Borg's memoir, Heartbeats. Variety reported that Banijay Entertainment labels Jarowskij/Yellow Bird and Mastiff Sweden are co-developing the scripted project with the Swedish director (Polar, Spun, Lords of Chaos).
Currently in development, the project will chart Borg's rise to tennis stardom and shocking decision to retire at 26. The book also "delves into Borg's life beyond the tennis court, starting from his childhood and shedding light on years of financial collapse, media scrutiny and ultimately, his personal reinvention," Variety noted.
"I've spent my entire life in matches--both on and off the court," Borg said. "Jonas wants to explore both sides, and I feel the time is right for that. He has the eye, the energy, and the courage to tell my story in his own way."
Åkerlund commented: "Everyone knows Björn Borg for his legendary moments on the court, for his fierce, unparalleled power as an athlete and icon.... With his book, we finally dipped a toe into his enigmatic mind. But with this project, we're cannon-balling into the deep end."