A tennis phenomenon

How can one be a top ten player and travel without a coach? How does staying focused and hanging out with friends go together? How can you be a millionaire and not have a car?

Meet Patrick Rafter, a 25 year-old tennis professional who resides on the Bermudas, acts as a spokesperson for the Australian environment group "Coastcare", donated half of his US Open prize money to a children's clinic and plays some of the best tennis in the world.

"I want to continue having fun out there," was what the Australian said after he won the US Open last year and started a "Raftermania" which has not come to a standstill since.

"I want to have fun out there!"

At the Australian Open this year, the pressure got a point that even the laid-back Rafter could not handle. He lost in his third round match to Berasategui, a full on claycourt specialist. Rafter had played two five set matches previously and was suffering from severe fatigue. Many doubted he would be able to stay in the Top 10 for much longer.

But contrary to others, Rafter has been "down and out" before. In 1994, he won his first title in Manchester, defeated Muster at the French Open and many thought he would be the new Australian superstar. But he suffered from constant wrist problems and had to have an operation in October 1995. Once he came back, the injuries started again and he had to pause for another three months in 1996.

This year, Rafter has been battling with his form on and off. He started strongly in Sydney, got to the semis in Antwerp and won a title in Chennai. After suffering some early round losses he won another title in Rosmalen and two Mercedes Super 9 titles in Toronto and Cincinnati which put him into a postion to challenge Pete Sampras for the No. 1 spot.

He seems to be prepared for the US Open. Maybe he can repeat his success. However, win or lose, Patrick Rafter has given proof that last year's title was not a fluke and that he can live with whatever is ahead.

1998 ATPTOUR