Pat Rafter

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.

Rafter was one of the last great serve-and-volley players in professional tennis, employing an aggressive net-rushing style that relied on powerful serves followed by quick movement to the net. His exceptional volleying skills and court coverage made him particularly effective on faster surfaces like grass and hard courts.

Rafter is remembered as one of the final masters of the serve-and-volley style before it largely disappeared from modern tennis. His sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct on court earned him widespread respect and multiple ATP Sportsmanship Awards.

• 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