Back-to-back US Open champion whose serve-and-volley game and sportsmanship made him one of tennis's most beloved players.
Patrick Michael Rafter was born in Mount Isa, Queensland in 1972 and turned professional in 1991, winning 2 US Open titles (1997, 1998) and becoming one of the most loved players in the history of the sport — winning the ATP Tour Sportsmanship Award three consecutive years (1999, 2000, 2001), unprecedented in the award's history. He retired in 2002 with 11 ATP titles. His serve-and-volley style — perfectly suited to fast surfaces — made him one of the last great practitioners of net-rushing tennis. His 1997 US Open was won from outside the top 10; his 1998 defence confirmed him as one of the world's best. He reached 2 Wimbledon finals (2000, 2001) — losing both to Pete Sampras and Goran Ivanišević respectively — the 2001 final in 5 sets being considered one of the finest in modern Wimbledon history. A shoulder injury ended his career prematurely at 29. He was named Australian of the Year in 2002. He served 3,400+ career aces. He later captained Australia to the Davis Cup in 2003. His popularity in Australia — combining talent, sportsmanship and a beach-boy image — made him the most beloved Australian tennis player since John Newcombe.
US Open 1997, 1998
Career Honours
- US Open 1997, 1998
- Davis Cup 2003 (Australia, as captain)
- Wimbledon finalist 2000, 2001
- ATP Sportsmanship Award 1999, 2000, 2001 (3 consecutive)
- Australian of Year 2002