Patrick Rafter

Patrick Michael Rafter, was born in Mt Isa, Queensland on the 28th December 1972. Pat enjoys fishing, playing golf and going to the beach. Pat's favorite Rugby Leage team is the Brisbane Broncos and he suports the Brisbane Lions in Aussie Rules.

Career and Achievements

In 1991, Pat turned Pro

In 1993 he was named the ATP Newcomer of the year.

In 1997, he received the Diploma of Honour by the International Committee of Fair Play, for gesture of fair play that may have cost him victory. During January in Adelaide, reversed a line call in second set tie-break to virtually hand the match to his opponent.

Pat won his first US Open Grand Slam and became the first Aussie to win this open since John Newcombe in 1973. He earned the ATP Most Improved Player of the Year award and the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. He also received the Australian Sports Personallity of the Year Award in 1997 and the Media Sports Personality of the year Award.

In 1998, he defended his title by winning the US Open becoming the first Australian to win back to back US titles since Neale Fraser in 1959-60.

Pat was awarded the ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award and the Queensland Youg Achiever Award.

He also awarded the Honorary Ambassador for Queensland and was presented with keys to the City of Brisbane.

The Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award was again awarded to Pat in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

In 1999, Pat won the Australian Open Doubles Title with Jonas Bjorkman.

On July 26 1999, Pat became the first Aussie to reach No 1 since Hohn Newcombe.

He Received the Australian People's choice Award for Male Sports Star two years in a row for 1998 and 1999.

The Patrick Rafter Cherish the Children Foundation was officially launched in February 1999, when Pat donated his Australian Open earnings. His sister Louise runs the Foundation. The Foundation is aimed at giving assistance to kids wherever they need it.

In 2000, Pat won "Billy Brown Community Award" - In recognition of Sporting Achievements and Service to the Community.

Pat was Runner Up Finalist at Wimbledon in 2000 and 2001.

In 2002, Pat was named Australian of the Year.

Back