Two time US Open titleholder Patrick Rafter is primed to add a third Grand Slam championship to his credits following a
gruelling month-long preparation and rehabilitation program after succumbing to a knee injury last November.

Davis Cup coach Tony Roche is delighted with the 26-year old's progress after working with him in Sydney for the last week.

Today, the world No 3 (!!) flies to Adelaide where he will be top seed for the Australian Hardcourt title starting on Monday.

"Patrick's in good shape after spending time doing a lot of work with his physical trainer (Mark Waters) in Queensland." Roche
said. "We've just been honing his skills. It can get pretty hot at Melbourne Park and with Patrick training in the heat and
humidity back home it will be an advantage because of his fitness. The Australians are the ones who should be better prepared.
You have to prepare yourself properly for these major tournaments".

Roche was cautious about predicting a win for Rafter in Adelaide or even the adidas International in Sydney the following
week after coming off a six-week tournament break.

"This was his first week hitting on the court", he said. "It was a good week with Todd Woodbridge and Sandon Stolle, but now
it's a different ball game - match play and the first event of the new year.

"He's had a good break and is refreshed, but being the first event players are unsure at where they are at this stage. He never
mentioned the knee so he must be feeling good about it. Let's say it will be a bonus if Patrick gets to the final".

Roche said the main mission for Rafter was winning his first Australian Open at Melbourne Park starting January 18.

"The key for Patrick is the more matches he plays before Melbourne, the better," Roche said. "He has to be moving well and
get back to the way he played in New York. That basically means good solid percentage tennis. His game is to put pressure on
opponents which needs a high percentage of first serves backed up by quality volleys. From the back court, he's got to be
steady until he gets the right ball and opportunity to go on the attack.