Pat Rafter

About

Pat was a much admired Australian tennis player and former World Number One. He twice won the men’s singles title at the US Open and was twice the runner-up at Wimbledon. He turned professional in 1991 and won his first career singles title in 1994 in Manchester. He went on to become the first man in the Open Era to win Montreal/Toronto, Cincinnati and the US Open in the same year (1998); this achievement has been dubbed the American Summer Slam.

His breakthrough year on Tour came in 1997, beginning at the French Open, where he reached the semifinals. Later that year, he won his first Major title at the US Open, defeating Greg Rusedski in a four-set final. The following year was arguably even better. He won two ATP Masters Series titles in a row – Toronto and Cincinnati. Entering the US Open as the defending champion, he triumphed again, this time in four sets over fellow Australian Mark Philippoussis.

In honour of Rafter’s illustrious career, the 5,500 seat centre court of the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane, Australia, was named the Pat Rafter Arena.

A noted humanitarian, Rafter donated half of the prize money from his 1997 and 1998 US Open wins to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and he has created his own charity organisation that raises funds for children’s causes each year.

Since his retirement, Rafter has gone on to become an underwear model for Bonds, and in October 2010 was announced as the next Davis Cup captain for Australia.

Pat’s considerable sporting experience, combined with his pleasing manner, informed approach and articulate delivery, make him a natural choice for personal appearances, motivational and after dinner speaking, as well as corporate days and promotions.