Net Worth: c. $25 Million
Age: 51
DOB: 28 December 1972
Birthplace: Mount Isa City, Queensland, Australia
Pat Rafter is a former Australian professional tennis player who played a massive part in lifting the profile of the sport in Australia during the late 1990s.
Overall, He won 11 career titles as a singles player and 10 in doubles. He also briefly held the number 1 ranking for ATP singles in 1999 and was the long time number 1 Australian male tennis player. He retired from the sport in 2003 (although injuries prevented him from competing from 2001 onwards) with a career singles record of 358–191, giving him a win percentage of 65.2%.
Over the course of his career, Pat Rafter became a household name around the world for his exceptional tennis skills, sportsmanship and affable personality. He currently has a net worth of an estimated $25 million.
Early Career
As a junior player, Rafter made a name for himself in the Australian tennis scene, and his promising performances paved the way for his entry into the professional circuit.
He turned professional in 1991 when he was 18 years old and quickly demonstrated his natural talent for the sport. His early years in the tennis world were marked by dedication, a power game and a couple of notable scalps – one of which was Pete Sampras at Indianapolis in 1993.
Breakthrough
The breakthrough moment in Rafter’s career came in the early 1990s when he started making a significant impact on the ATP Tour.
In 1991, he reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, showcasing his potential on the global stage. However, it was in the doubles category that Rafter initially gained success – a couple of titles and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in this form of the game.
Rafter’s singles career truly took off in the mid-1990s. He secured his first ATP singles title in 1994 at Manchester, and his powerful serve-and-volley style became his trademark on the court. His game became recognised for its fluid serve, agile net play and a well-rounded baseline game, making him a versatile and challenging opponent for any player.
Turning Point
The year 1997 marked a turning point in Rafter’s career as he reached the final of the US Open – his first Grand Slam singles final. Although he fell short in a hard-fought battle against Greg Rusedski, the experience fueled his determination to clinch a major title.
The following year, in 1998, Rafter achieved his breakthrough moment by winning the US Open, defeating fellow Australian Mark Philippoussis in the final. His victory was celebrated not only for the historical significance but also for the display of sportsmanship and fair play that defined Rafter’s approach to the game.
Height of Success
Rafter’s success continued in 1999 when he reached the Wimbledon final, falling short against the legendary Pete Sampras. Despite the loss, Rafter’s spirited performance and sportsmanship earned him widespread admiration.
He also reached the world No. 1 ranking in doubles during this period, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished players in both singles and doubles categories.
The Australian tennis star’s achievements extended beyond the Grand Slam tournaments. Rafter was a crucial part of the Australian Davis Cup team, contributing significantly to their victories in 1999 and 2003.
His commitment to representing his country with pride and passion endeared him to fans and fellow players alike.
Injuries and Retirement
Around the turn of the century, Rafter faced a career-threatening shoulder injury that forced him to take a hiatus from professional tennis. Despite the setback, he made a triumphant comeback by reaching the final of the Wimbledon Championships once in 2001.
In what turned out to be Rafter’s last appearance in a singles ATP Tour event, he fell short against Goran Ivanišević in five sets.
Citing physical and mental fatigue, he decided to retire from professional tennis in 2003 after injury kept him on the sidelines for the entire 2002 season. His departure marked the end of an era for Australian tennis – leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring players today.
Post-Retirement
Post-retirement, Rafter stayed connected to tennis in various capacities. He served as Australia’s Davis Cup captain from 2001 to 2003 and then again from 2006 to 2015. Under his leadership, the Australian team experienced notable successes and continued to build on the tennis legacy.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to tennis, Pat Rafter was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006. This inclusion ensured his legacy lives on as one of Australia’s tennis greats – a player who not only achieved remarkable success on the court but also embodied the values of sportsmanship and resilience that make tennis a truly extraordinary sport.
Personal Life
Pat Rafter has 8 brothers and sisters and is the third youngest in his family.
In 2000 He married Australian model Lara Feltham, with whom he now has two children – a son and a daughter.
Off the court, Rafter has been involved in philanthropic activities, including his support for various charities. He is also known for being an underwear model and a TV pundit.
Away form tennis, Rafter is a huge fan of the Brisbane Lions in AFL and the Brisbane Broncos in NRL.