Rafter suprizingly won back to back US Opens coming from 2 sets down to beat Arazi, He also beat Ivanisevic, Sampras and Philippoussis. Rafter has won six tournaments this year, Canadian Open, Indian Open, Netherlands, New Haven and Long Island and holds the second ranking. He defeated Sampras, Rusesdski, Korda, Henman, Martin in these events. At the Australian Open, a tired Rafter lost in the third round. He reached the semi finals of Sydney by defeating Martin 6-4 6-7 6-1. He fell to Stoltenberg in the second round of the French Open. Rafter reached the round of 16 at Wimbledon to Henman. He reached the quarter finals of Los Angeles.

Rafter played excellently at the US Open where he won his first slam by defeating Medvedev, Agassi, Larsson, Chang and Rusedski. His volleys were remarkable against Agassi and Chang who are supposedly the best have the best passing shots. He reached the semi finals of the French Open beating reigning Wimbledon champion, Krajicek. He started the year ranked 65 and the Davis Cup win over Pioline 3-6 6-7 6-4 7-5 6-4 turned his career around. He reached 6 finals and won the biggest one at the US Open. Rafter made the quarter finals of Sydney and lost in the opening round at the Australian Open losing to Spaniards on both occasions.

Rafter beats Rios at the Australian Open, but has to pull out due to a wrist injury that plagues him most of the year.

Rafter reaches the round of 16 of the Australian Open, where he plays Agassi in a much publicised match. Agassi crushes Rafter and goes on take the title. The match stuffs Rafter up and he loses to Woodforde at Wimbledon and Rosset at The US Open.

Rafter's GRAND SLAM Record