Tennis Player Bjorn Borg Bitten Trying to Protect His Dog

According to the Daily Mail, five-time Wimbledon champion Bjorn Borg has been savagely bitten in the leg while trying to keep the German Shepard known as 'The Wolf' from hurting his Golden Retriever, Lipton. This injury will prevent the tennis pro from playing his first singles on grass game in 26 years. The last time the Swede played was 1981 when he lost to John McEnroe during the Wimbledon final. He was to play at the Liverpool International event.

Borg's physicians have advised him against playing and he cannot put weight on his injured leg for a minimum of six weeks. He has been treated for deep puncture wounds in his right leg that are a result of the German Shepard's bite. Borg was bitten at his own home during a barbeque; the dog was a friend's. Bjorn Borg is 51 years old.

Borg is quoted as saying, "I'm so disappointed that I cannot play at Liverpool. I've been really looking forward to this event and have been practicing hard for four months to get ready," according to the Yahoo Sports. Also according to Yahoo Sports, Richard Krajicek will take Borg's place. Krajicek is also a former Wimbledon champion.

Borg is still planning on attending the event, however he will be there as a spectator only. This comes as a disappointment for him and his fans. He is quoted by the Daily Mail expressing his disappointment, "It is unbelievable. What are the chances of being bitten by a dog days before a tournament?"

In the United States, fatal dog attacks average at 17 deaths per year according to Dog Bite Law, an internet site that tracks dog bite statistics. An average of 77% of all dog bites result from a familiar dog, generally either the victim's own dog or that of a friend or family member.

These types of statistics have resulted in some insurance companies refusing to offer coverage for owners of certain types of dogs. According to Dog Bite Law, studies have shown that around 65% of all fatal dog bites resulted from Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and similar breeds. Other breeds such as German Shepherds and Chows were shown as responsible for dog attacks resulting in death to a lesser extent.

These statistics may seem high, however compared to other types of accidents, such as car accidents, they are relatively low. In 2000 alone, it is estimated that 41,821 people were killed in car accidents according to Car-Accidents.com.

Sources:

Associated Press, "Borg bitten during dogfight, withdraws from grass-court exhibition."
Yahoo Sports: (http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-borg-dogbite&prov=ap&type=lgns)

Kenneth M. Phillips, "Dog Bite Law: Statistics." Dog Bite Law: (http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html#Thedogsmostlikelytobite)

Daily Mail Staff, "Borg Savaged by 'The Wolf.'" Daily Mail: (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/tennis.html?in_article_id=461070&in_page_id=1956)

Car Accident Statistics, "2000 Statistics." Car Accident Statistics: (http://www.car-accidents.com/pages/stats/2000_killed.html)