Patrick Rafter Biography
Early Life as well as Background
Patrick Michael Rafter, an Australian former professional tennis player, was born on December 28, 1972, in Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. Rafter's moms and dads, Jim and also Jocelyn Rafter, played a significant function fit his talent from a young age. He has 6 siblings, and also his bro Steve Rafter also played expert tennis.
Education-wise, Rafter went to the Southport School on the Gold Coast, where he took up tennis seriously. At the age of 15, he left school and also began to focus on tennis as a profession.
Professional Tennis Career
Patrick Rafter started his expert tennis occupation in 1991. He quickly went far for himself worldwide of tennis due to his superior skills, especially his aggressive offer as well as volley video game style. His development year came in 1997 when he caught his very first ATP Tour title in Manchester, adhered to by success in Indianapolis and Long Island.
Rafter's outstanding play led him to win his initial Grand Slam title in 1997 when he emerged as the champion of the United States Open by beating
Greg Rusedski of Britain in 4 collections. This success moved him to the condition of a first-rate player and also launched him into worldwide stardom.
In 1998, Rafter achieved a career-high position of World No. 2, as well as he efficiently safeguarded his US Open title by defeating compatriot Mark Philippoussis in an all-Australian last. 1998 also saw Rafter winning 4 other ATP titles, consisting of 2 ATP Masters Series occasions in Toronto as well as Cincinnati.
Rafter proceeded his successful run in 1999 and 2000, reaching the last of Wimbledon in both years however losing to
Pete Sampras and also Goran Ivanišević, specifically. In spite of these losses, Rafter continued to present his extraordinary tennis capacities, collecting several even more ATP titles throughout this period.
Rafter stood for Australia in the Davis Cup throughout his job and played an important function in Australia winning the mug in 1999 by beating France in the last. This significant Australia's very first Davis Cup triumph in 13 years.
Unfortunately, due to recurring shoulder injuries, Rafter's career was commonly hampered, impacting his efficiency with time. Ultimately, he made the decision to take a respite from the sport in 2002, which properly led to his retired life from professional tennis.
Post-Retirement and also Philanthropy
Although retired from professional tennis, Rafter stayed active in different tennis occasions, joining exhibitions as well as elders' competitions. In September 2008, he was bestowed an induction right into the International Tennis Hall of Fame for his success as a tennis player.
Rafter has likewise been greatly involved in charity work throughout his life, most significantly developing the Patrick Rafter Cherish the Children Foundation in 1999. The structure was aimed at giving support to unwell, disadvantaged, as well as unique demands kids in Australia.
In 2010, Rafter was named the Australian Davis Cup group captain, a function he held up until 2015. He then worked as the Tennis Australia's Director of Performance from 2013 up until 2017.
Personal Life
Patrick Rafter fulfilled his partner, Lara Feltham, an Australian model, and also they wed in 2004. The couple has two youngsters, India and Joshua.
Our collection contains 3 quotes who is written / told by Patrick.
Related authors: Greg Rusedski (Athlete), Pete Sampras (Athlete), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)
