Legend Bjorn Borg in Bolton as son takes to court

The 60-year-old will be watching tennis rather than playing it – supporting his 13-year-old son, Leo, at the Nike Junior International at the USN Bolton Arena.

Borg, now a successful businessman with his own range of clothing, regularly travels around the Swedish junior circuit with Leo, his son with third wife Patricia Ostfeldt.

The famously cool Swede started playing tennis when he was nine, entered his first tournament at 11 and at 13 won both the 13 and 14 year-old divisions of the Swedish National Junior Championships.

He qualified for the Swedish Davis Cup team at 15, winning both his singles matches, and became Wimbledon junior champion in 1972.

This kickstarted a tennis career in which he became a firm Wimbledon favourite, winning millions of fans both on the court and off. He reached world No.1 and took 11 Grand Slam titles, having fierce battles with his biggest rival John McEnroe along the way, before retiring suddenly in 1983 at the age of 26.

These days, he is more interested in his son’s sporting form and Leo plays for the under-14s for Sweden’s well-known Royal Lawn Club.

He is taking part in the prestigious Grade 1 Tennis Europe tournament which runs from Friday through to January 20, when youngsters from more than 25 countries play.

A number of previous tournament players have gone on to reach the world’s top 10, including Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych, Caroline Wozniacki, Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters.

Tournament organiser Richard Joyner said: “I’m sure that having such a tennis legend on site can only act to further inspire all the young players competing.”

And Suzi Riley, head of performance tennis at the Bolton Arena, added: “We’re delighted to welcome all the young players and their supporters – but are especially proud to have a tennis legend like Bjorn Borg here.”

The event is free to spectators. Qualifying is on Friday and Saturday with the main draw on Sunday. Play starts each day at 10am.