Pat Rafter Biography

Patrick Rafter is an Australian former World No. 1 tennis player. Known for his natural serve-and-volley style of play, he twice won the men's singles title at the US Open and was twice the runner-up at Wimbledon. Born in Queensland into a large family, he became interested in sports at a young age and started playing tennis at the age of five with his father and three older brothers. By the time he was in his teens there was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to pursue the sport professionally. He turned professional in 1991 but success did not come easily to him. Only after a few years did he receive his first breakthrough when he surprised many by winning the US Open in 1997. There was no looking back once he established his dominance on the world stage and enjoyed a series of successes, winning several coveted trophies. In 1999, he clinched the World No.1 ranking though only for one week, making him the shortest-reigning world No. 1 in ATP tour history. His skyrocketing sporting career was marred by injuries and he was forced into a premature retirement. A very popular public figure, he became an underwear model and businessman following his retirement.