patrick rafter

Patrick Rafter

Disruptive, in the best possible way, could easily describe Rafter during his playing days. A swashbuckling net-rusher with a kick serve and an unmistakable ponytail, Rafter embodied both attacking tennis and good sportsmanship. He won the ATP Sportsmanship Award four times, was known for conceding line calls, and famously called out “Sorry, mate” whenever a ball toss went awry. His humility and generosity – including regular donations from his prize money – made him a fan favorite, as did his movie-star looks and magnetic presence. Born in the blisteringly hot mining town of Mount Isa in Far North Queensland, Rafter was the seventh of nine siblings. The family later settled on the Sunshine Coast, where his tennis began to take shape. By the late 1990s, he had become one of the most respected players on tour, a Grand Slam champion, and a contender on every surface in an era dominated by Americans Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.

“Life’s there to make the most of, and that’s what I do.”
_{Patrick Rafter}

The self-effacing Rafter won back-to-back US Opens in 1997 (defeating Greg Rusedski) and 1998 (beating Mark Philippoussis), becoming the first Australian to lift the trophy in New York since John Newcombe in 1973.

He would reach Wimbledon finals in 2000 and 2001, falling to Sampras in the first and losing a memorable five-set battle to wildcard Goran Ivanišević in the second. He also reached the semifinals at Roland-Garros and battled Agassi in several high-stakes thrillers, including their punishing five-set semi at the 2001 Australian Open.