# Patrick Rafter > Australian tennis player **Wikidata**: [Q204068](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q204068) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Rafter) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/patrick-rafter # Patrick Rafter ## Summary Patrick Rafter is an Australian tennis player who achieved significant success in professional tennis during the 1990s and early 2000s. He is recognized as one of Australia's most accomplished tennis players, having won multiple Grand Slam titles and receiving prestigious honors including induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. ## Biography - Born: December 28, 1972 - Nationality: Australia - Known for: Professional tennis career and Grand Slam victories - Field(s): Tennis - Work Period: 1991-2002 ## Contributions Patrick Rafter made substantial contributions to professional tennis through his competitive achievements and playing style. During his career spanning from 1991 to 2002, he accumulated an impressive record of 255 wins and 111 losses in singles matches, with a total match record of 358 wins and 191 losses across all competitions. His aggressive serve-and-volley game helped define tennis strategy during his era, and his success contributed to maintaining Australia's strong tennis tradition. Rafter's performances at major tournaments elevated the profile of Australian tennis internationally and inspired a new generation of players. ## FAQs **What awards did Patrick Rafter receive during his career?** Patrick Rafter received numerous prestigious awards including induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, recognition as Australian of the Year, and being named an Australian National Living Treasure. These honors reflect his significant contributions to tennis and Australian sports culture. **What was Patrick Rafter's tennis record?** Patrick Rafter compiled a singles record of 255 wins and 111 losses, with an overall match record of 358 wins and 191 losses. His career spanned from 1991 to 2002, during which he established himself as one of the top players in the world. **How tall was Patrick Rafter and what was his physical build?** Patrick Rafter stood 185 centimeters tall and weighed 86 kilograms during his playing career. His physical attributes complemented his aggressive serve-and-volley playing style that characterized his approach to the game. **What is Patrick Rafter's connection to Australia?** Patrick Rafter is an Australian citizen who represented Australia throughout his tennis career. He was born in Australia and became one of the country's most celebrated tennis players, contributing significantly to Australia's tennis legacy. ## Why They Matter Patrick Rafter matters significantly in the tennis world due to his exceptional achievements and the impact he had on Australian tennis. His Grand Slam victories and consistent high-level performance helped maintain Australia's reputation as a tennis powerhouse during a period when the country's presence in top-level tennis was diminishing. Rafter's aggressive playing style influenced tennis strategy and inspired countless players with his determination and skill. His recognition through prestigious awards like the Australian of the Year honor demonstrates his broader cultural significance beyond just athletic achievement. His induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame solidifies his position among the sport's elite and ensures his techniques and achievements continue to influence future generations of tennis players. ## Notable For • Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame • Australian of the Year award recipient • Named an Australian National Living Treasure • Achieved a career record of 255-111 in singles matches • Maintained a total match record of 358-191 across all competitions • Professional tennis career spanning 11 years from 1991 to 2002 • Representing Australia at the highest levels of professional tennis • Having his image featured in official portraits and promotional materials ## Body ### Early Life and Background Patrick Michael Rafter was born on December 28, 1972, establishing him as an Australian citizen from birth. His full name, Patrick Michael Rafter, reflects his Australian heritage and identity. As a human individual, he possessed the physical attributes necessary for professional tennis, standing 185 centimeters tall and weighing 86 kilograms during his competitive years. ### Tennis Career Rafter's professional tennis career began in 1991 and continued until 2002, spanning an impressive 11-year period. During this time, he established himself as one of the premier tennis players in the world. His career statistics demonstrate remarkable consistency and excellence, with 255 wins and 111 losses in singles competition, representing a winning percentage of approximately 69.6%. When considering his total match record across all competitions, including doubles, he achieved 358 wins against 191 losses. His playing style was characterized by an aggressive serve-and-volley approach that proved highly effective during the 1990s and early 2000s. This tactical approach helped him compete successfully against the baseline-dominated play that was becoming increasingly common in professional tennis. ### Achievements and Recognition Throughout his career, Rafter accumulated numerous accolades that recognized his exceptional contributions to tennis. His most prestigious honor came with his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which places him among the sport's greatest legends. This institution, established in 1880 in Newport, USA, serves as the ultimate recognition for tennis excellence. Additional recognition came in the form of the Australian of the Year award, presented annually on Australia Day. This honor, established in 1960, represents one of Australia's highest civilian honors and acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to Australian society. Rafter also received the Australian National Living Treasure award, further cementing his status as a significant cultural figure in Australia. ### Physical Attributes and Statistics Rafter's physical characteristics were well-suited to his chosen profession. Standing 185 centimeters tall and weighing 86 kilograms, he possessed the ideal build for professional tennis during his era. His height provided advantages for serving, while his weight indicated a well-conditioned athlete capable of enduring the physical demands of professional tennis. His career statistics reveal a player who maintained excellence throughout his professional tenure. The win-loss ratio of 255-111 in singles demonstrates not only his ability to win matches but also his consistency over an extended period. The broader match record of 358-191 across all competitions shows his versatility and effectiveness in various tournament formats. ### Cultural Impact As an Australian tennis player, Rafter played a crucial role in maintaining Australia's tennis tradition during a period when the country's representation in top-level professional tennis was declining. His success provided inspiration for younger Australian players and helped sustain interest in tennis among Australian fans. His recognition through various Australian honors, including Australian of the Year and Australian National Living Treasure, indicates that his impact extended beyond mere athletic achievement to encompass broader cultural significance. These awards recognize individuals who embody Australian values and contribute positively to the national character. ### Legacy and Influence Rafter's legacy in tennis extends beyond his personal achievements to include his influence on the sport's development and strategy. His serve-and-volley approach, while becoming less common in modern tennis, demonstrated the continued viability of aggressive net play against baseline-oriented opponents. His inclusion in the International Tennis Hall of Fame ensures that his contributions to tennis will be remembered and studied by future generations. This recognition places him alongside other tennis legends and validates his impact on the sport's evolution. The various identifiers associated with his career, including multiple database entries across different systems (such as Wikidata, IMDb, and various tennis databases), reflect the comprehensive documentation of his achievements and the recognition he received throughout his career. ## References 1. The Bud Collins History of Tennis (2nd ed.) 2. [Source](https://artsandculture.google.com/story/australian-tennis-hall-of-fame-tennis-australia/-wWRj7NgH4tbKw) 3. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze 4. Association of Tennis Professionals website 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. ITF website