Rafter hints at retirement
Source: TWIN WATERS, Qld AAP
Date: 2002-Dec-17 04:46 PM
Dual US Open champion Pat Rafter is hitting golf balls better than tennis balls these days.
While Rafter hasn't officially made an announcement about his playing future, his comments before playing in the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic at Twin Waters resort on the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday suggest another gruelling campaign on his already embattled body may be too much.
Australian tennis greats John Newcombe and Tony Roche have urged Rafter to give it one more shot.
But the Queenslander, who recently became a father for the first time, has been battling for months with the thought of pushing himself through another comeback.
"I sort of have (made a decision) but Newk and Rochie want me to wait a little bit longer, so I'll wait and see what happens," he said.
That comment seem to suggest Rafter is leaning towards retirement.
Before partnering golf's man-of-the-moment Peter Lonard in the opening round of Newton's 36-hole tournament, Rafter admitted his motivation levels had not gone up in recent months.
"It's the same as its always been, no better," he said.
A relaxed Rafter, thoroughly enjoying his time away from the pressures of centre court and also fatherhood, looked a long way away from Wimbledon as he signed autographs for fans before joining an equally relaxed Lonard for their round with amateurs Mike Porter and John Moulton.
Asked which ball he was hitting best, Rafter said "I wouldn't know about tennis balls, but I'm hitting the golf ball alright."
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