TENNIS legend Bjorn Borg was in town yesterday to watch his son Leo compete at the USN Bolton Arena.

And afterwards he found time for a spot of lunch at one of the restaurants in the vaults at Bolton's Market Place.

The five-time Wimbledon champion, along with his wife Patricia Ostfeldt, was in Bolton to see 13-year-old Leo compete against fellow youngsters on the indoor tennis courts at Middlebrook during the Nike Junior International.

Leo failed to make it past the first round, but Mr Borg said Monday’s match was very hard fought and his son had shown great character.

He said: “Leo enjoys tennis and he has a big heart for the game. He’s turning 14 in May this year. It’s a long way to go, but he has the hope for it and he enjoys it, which is the main thing.

“He likes to win. He doesn’t like to lose, like most of the kids. He has the drive and the will to continue to play tennis.

“He wants to do it and we support and help him but don’t push him. That has to come from himself.”

The 60-year-old began playing tennis when he was nine, going on to represent the Swedish Davis Cup team at 15 and becoming Wimbledon junior champion in 1972.

It kickstarted a tennis career during which he became a Wimbledon favourite, as well as becoming world number one and winning 11 grand slam titles.

And watching his son compete, Mr Borg saw the passion that he himself exhibited as a young teenager.

“When I look at Leo I see the happiness and the drive on the court. He likes it very much. He loves to compete. I was exactly the same and I’m happy to see him play.”

When asked if he saw a future champion in his son, he said: “Potentially yes. The potential is there but a lot of things can happen along the way.”

Despite the busy tennis schedule, the family found time to visit Bolton town centre.

Mr Borg said: “I have enjoyed it. I enjoy England very much, it’s one of my favourite places.

“Bolton is a nice place. We enjoy the people and enjoy going to the different places. Maybe not the weather so much, but it’s a bit like Sweden.

Tournament director Richard Joyner said: “It’s fantastic, it’s an extra dimension to this event when we have a tennis legend here and he’s been so approachable.

“It’s an international event and we’ve had a number of people who have gone on to become champions including Sir Andy Murray.

“It’s great for the North West to have it.”

The competition is taking place at the USN Bolton Arena until Friday.