Celebrity Featured: Pat Rafter
Artist: Rayf Jacobs
Chair Donor: Just-a-Second Furniture
Fabric Donor: Warwick Fabrics
Upholstery Donor: Paris DÈcor
About Pat Rafter
Pat Rafter was born in Mount Isa, Australia in 1972. He began his professional career in 1991, and just 3 years later won his first singles title in 1994.
1997 saw Rafter reach the semi-finals of the French open, and in 1998 he won consecutive singles titles at ATP Masters Series events in Canada and Cincinnati. In January 1999 he won the Australian Open men's doubles title (with Jonas Bjorkman) and by July had reached the world No. 1 mens singles ranking. He and Bjorkman also won doubles titles at ATP Masters Series events in Canada and Indian Wells.
In 2000, Rafter reached the final of the mens tournament at Wimbledon, after defeating Andre Agassi in what has been described as one of the most thrilling games ever played in that tournament. He finished runner-up in that tournament.
In addition to his singles & doubles careers, Rafter was also a member of the Australian World Team Cup squad - where helped the team to victory in both 1999 and 2001.
Rafter retired from the professional circuit in 2002, with a total of 11 singles titles and 10 doubles titles and was awarded the Australian of the Year award in that year also.
Since leaving tennis Rafter has remained in the public conscience, as the face of Bonds underwear, but also for his work with Cherish the Children, which he founded to raise funds for childrens causes.