Pat Rafter is returning from retirement to compete in the Australian Open doubles.
The 41-year-old Rafter accepted a wildcard invitation and will join fellow Aussie Lleyton Hewitt in the doubles.
Rafter last played in Australia’s Davis Cup final loss to France in 2001 and admitted he isn’t the same shape he was when he won back-to-back grand slams in 1997 and 1998.
“The hardest part about being around 40 is keeping your body in shape. It’s tough, I must admit,” Rafter said.
“You don’t look after yourself like you did. You’re not in the locker room all the time.
“It’s just a bit of fun. Doubles, half a court. I think I can do that.”
The nostalgia factor of pairing of two former Aussie world number ones should draw interest from the local fans in Melbourne looking to see two fan favourites on the same court.
“I obviously looked up to Pat a hell of a lot growing up. He really helped me out,” Hewitt said, who was ironically the last person to defeat to Rafter on ATP tour 12 years ago.
“It’s great that he’s Davis Cup captain for me now, as well. Most likely I’ll finish my career with him as Davis Cup captain, which is fantastic for me as well.”
Hewitt has struggled with injury over the past couple of years and only recently appeared to play himself into top shape. However Hewitt, in the twighlight of his career, may be looking for a little extra time on-court this Open after drawing 24th seed Andreas Seppi in the opening round.
While the new Aussie duo will collect $12,000 for their first round appearance, the doubles form of the game has faced a some backlash in recent years.
The call to cut the doubles stems from lack of pay for lower ranked singles players with a number of high profile people voicing their opinions on the issue.
“If you cut out doubles and gave that money to singles players ranked between 200 and 1,000, maybe that would do something for the game,” said seven-time Grand Slam winner John McEnroe, who also won 71 career doubles titles.
“Most doubles players, I hate to say, are the slow guys who were not quick enough to play singles. Why we are even playing doubles at this point is a mystery to me.”
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