Who is Pat Rafter?
Pat Rafter is a former Australian tennis player who won the US Open in 1997 and 1998 and was ranked world number one in 1999. He was known for his serve-and-volley game and good sportsmanship.
Rafter was born in Mount Isa, Queensland, in 1972. He was one of nine children and grew up in Queensland.
He won his first US Open in 1997, defeating Greg Rusedski in the final, and defended his title in 1998, beating fellow Australian Mark Philippoussis.
Wimbledon finals
Rafter reached the Wimbledon final in 2000 and 2001, losing to Pete Sampras and Goran Ivanisevic. The 2001 final against Ivanisevic was a dramatic five-set match.
Rafter was known for his fair play and friendliness, winning the ATP Sportsmanship Award several times. He also helped Australia win the Davis Cup in 1999.
He was named Australian of the Year in 2002. After retiring, he served as Australia's Davis Cup captain and was involved in charity work, including the Cherish the Children foundation. He remains one of the most popular figures in Australian tennis.
Did You Know?
Rafter was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006.