SEPT 19 - 21, 2025 | SAN FRANCISCO
As the North American hard-court season gets underway, two-time US Open champion and one of the game’s most popular figures, Patrick Rafter, is keeping a close eye on the action – and getting ready for a new kind of battle.
The laid-back Queenslander is about to enter his next role: Vice Captain of Team World at Laver Cup 2025 San Francisco.
“It’s a pretty good line-up,” says Rafter of the current Team World roster that includes Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul and João Fonseca. “They’ve got some big game. I think it’s a combination of some dangerous players, a bit of youth, but also some experience. Hopefully, they can be a disruptive group of Team World players.”
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.
Aussie Grit
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.
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.
Zoning in on the Laver Cup
Now, the daredevil net-rusher brings his tactical acumen and calming presence to the Laver Cup bench. This will be Rafter’s first-time involvement with the Laver Cup and he’s thrilled to be taking over the reins from former Team World Vice Captain Patrick McEnroe.
With its escalating points and strategic doubles combinations, the fast-paced Laver Cup format appeals to Rafter’s competitive instincts. “There is a lot of talent and a lot of potential to create wins for Team World,” he says. “It’s going to help if we have a faster surface. We’ve already got big servers that can cause a lot of trouble if the court is quick.”
Rafter will work alongside Team World Captain Agassi, a player he once wrestled with for the world No.1 ranking. (Rafter briefly held the top spot for a week in 1999, taking it from Agassi, whom he defeated in two out of three Wimbledon semifinals.) Despite their on-court rivalry, the pair remain close.
“Andre and I talk a little bit. We’ve been on the same page,” Rafter says. “He’s pretty intense, and he’s on the ball. I’ll have more of a laid-back approach. We’re pretty good mates, I can’t see us having any troubles whatsoever.”
As the pair guide their players through the weekend’s pressure cooker at Chase Center, Rafter sees his role evolving as he helps build rapport and trust within the team.
“One thing you’ve got to build up is trust with a player. It will come with time,” he says. “In the practice week leading into the competition, I’d like to be able to work on a few tactical ideas that they probably haven’t been exposed to a lot in their games. I hope I can bring that flavor that gets them to the net, teaches them where to be and how to be in that position … and why to be in that position. This will all develop in time.”
Coming from a two-time US Open champion and an eight-time Grand Slam singles champion in Agassi, Team World representatives have much to gain from listening to their elders.
And while Rafter may not be the loudest presence on the bench, he’s clear about what’s at stake. “This will be the first time for me – you’re not there to come second,” he declares. “Second is a loss, so a win is what we’re after. Let’s not lose. I’m into it. I can’t wait.”
