Career Highlights
2001
Defeated Andre Agassi in the semifinals to reach the Wimbledon finals for the second consecutive year. With Pete Sampras eliminated in the fourth round, Rafter hoped to take home the title, but instead wild card Goran Ivanisevic made history as he won The Championships in an epic five-set match 6-3, 3-6, 6-3,
2-6, 9-7.
Reached back to back Tennis Masters Series finals falling to Andrei Pavel 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3 in Montreal and Gustavo Kuerten in Cincinnati 6-1, 6-3.
After saying that he would likely retire after this year, Rafter reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, the farthest he's ever gone in his home tournament. Rafter suffered from leg cramps and heavy sweating during his match against eventual champion Andre Agassi. Rafter's difficulties took their toll in the last two sets to give Agassi the victory at 7-5, 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-3.
Lost in the second round of the French Open to Wayne Arthurs.
2000
Reached his first Wimbledon final, surviving five-set semifinal over Andre Agassi (6-3 in the fifth). Lost four-set final to Pete Sampras.
Won the Heineken Trophy ('s-Hertogenbosch) for the third consecutive year, his only victory of the season. Also reached the final in Lyon.
Finished season with a 34-18 record.
1999
Took over No. 1 ranking in July, becoming the first Aussie to have the top ranking since John Newcombe in 1974.
Advanced to the semifinals at Wimbledon, his best-ever finish at the All England Club.
Went 4-0 in Davis Cup play and helped his country to its first World Team Championship by winning three of four matches.
Won Australian Open doubles title (with Jonas Bjorkman).
Finished in the top 15 despite missing nearly three months of the season.
Underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on Oct. 24.
1998
Won the U.S. Open for the second consecutive year, the first back-to-back winner since Pete Sampras in 1995-96. Made just five unforced errors in the final, beating countryman Mark Philippoussis 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0.
Won two consecutive tournaments in August-- the Heineken Trophy and du Maurier Open. Won six titles in all, going 6-for-6 in finals.
Reached doubles semifinals of two Grand Slams with Jonas Bjorkman (French Open and Wimbledon).
The first Aussie to be ranked in the top 5 in back-to-back seasons since John Newcombe in 1973-74.
1997
Won his first career Grand Slam, winning the U.S. Open, 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 over Greg Rusedski.
Leading up to the U.S. Open, reached the finals of two tournaments (Pilot Pen International, Hamlet Cup).
Was runner-up in Philadelphia, Hong Kong and St. Polten, Austria.
Advanced to the semifinals at the French Open for the first time in his career.
No. 2 in year-end rankings, his best ever.
1996
Wrist and ankle injuries sidelined him in February and March and right shoulder problems forced him out of most action in the fall.
Lost to Goran Ivanisevic in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
1995
Underwent right wrist surgery to repair torn cartilage on Oct. 30.
1993
Named ATP Tour Newcomer of the Year.
|
ESPN.com
|
Tennis
|
Player Index
