Hewitt and Rafter

[gzhpcu]

Just read that Rafter (41) has agreed to enter the men's doubles at the Australian open. Go Rafter! Always was my favorite player!

[klacr]

This is very true. Rafter and Hewitt will be a team for the Aussie Open in the men's doubles. Important to note that although Rafter is preparing to play and give his best, he said the game's playing level has increased immensely and he expects to be the worst player on court. Rafter said he hopes Hewitt doesn't hurt his back carrying him. Either way, it will be very fun to watch. I'm pretty excited about it as well.

Rafter was a great serve and volley player. Although I'd consider him more a serve and athletic player. So many of his volleys were more of an athletic nature than a textbook nature, but he made it work. He certainly had the mentality of a great serve and volley player. I think there is an article somewhere on this site about just that...

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[gzhpcu]

Rafter always was a very modest guy. I expect him to do well... Just hope that LiveScoreHunter will show his match....

Here is an interview:

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/pat-rafters-back-in-the-game-20140112-30orw.html

[klacr]

No doubt Rafter is modest. But he is also not in "ideal" tour tennis shape, nor was he ever the greatest returner. I still wanna see the match to see if he still has some of that magic. I think he still does and is certainly is worth a couple of highlights. He did win the champions series in London at the end of last year.

Rafter and Hewitt play doubles specialists Eric Butorac and Raven Klaasen in the first round. Both Butorac and Klaasen have won doubles titles on the ATP Tour, but a win is certainly not an impossible task for the Aussies. Oddly enough, Hewitt is the only player of this foursome with a grand slam men's doubles title.

I wish I could watch right along with you Phil.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton