Rafter relaxed about return
January 8, 2004
PAT Rafter yesterday warmed up for his long-awaited return to competitive tennis today with a round of golf and a hit of racquet ball.
The former world No.1 was getting ready for his first match since retiring after Australia's 2001 Davis Cup final loss to France at Melbourne Park.
He partners friend and fellow Queenslander Josh Eagle against Mark Merklein of the Bahamas and American Vince Spadea in the AAPT Championships at Adelaide's Memorial Drive.
Unseasonal rain has delayed the match, due to have been played yesterday. But Rafter looked fit and strong during a session of racquet ball before making plans for a round of golf.
Rafter, 31, has no plans for a permanent return to the sport he graced with such athleticism, sportsmanship and skill in a career that netted two US Open crowns and successive losses in the Wimbledon final.
The Noosa-based right-hander will play a singles exhibition against fellow former world No.1 Mats Wilander in Townsville on February 2 - a day after the Australian Open final.
But Rafter will contest the Australian Open doubles with Eagle - one of the sport's best team players who is now winding down his career.
Rafter has accepted wild card invitations to both the Adelaide and Melbourne tournaments.
He was forced out of the sport in 2001 with chronic arm injuries, which had sidelined him for the 2000 Davis Cup triumph over France in Nice.
The Daily Telegraph
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 203.219.101.22