By Sunday afternoon, Australia may have yet another sporting hero to add to their enviable collection.

Pat Rafter has the chance to join the likes of Rod Laver, John Newcombe and, more recently, 1997 winner Pat Cash to name but a few, to win the coveted men's crown.

Unlike Britain, Australia has not been starved of tennis success.

Of course, for a country so used to regular bouts of Wimbledon glory, a gap of 13 years before having another shot at the title, was considered as a barren patch.

It was Pat Rafter who was faced with the task of ending the drought - but unfortunately for himself and his country, he failed against American Pete Sampras and subsequently labelled himself a "choker".

Sydney Morning Herald sports journalist Richard Hinds was astounded with the tag after Rafter's defeat.

"I think people were surprised by his admission," added Hinds.

"He's played in successful Davis Cup teams and has won two US Opens.

"The occasion got to him last year, I don't think he choked."

Hinds went on to explain why he thinks Australia have had more success in the sport, in recent times, than Britain.

"Over here the game seems to be played in that country-club tradition and certainly appears more elitist," he said.

"In Australia we have far more public courts and there is more of a broad spectrum of people who play the game."

Looking forward to Sunday's final, Hinds said that Australia will be 100% behind Rafter, although he does not expect a version of Henmania to be repeated back home.

"We love Rafter's persona and his accent - he still says things like 'mate' which shows that he hasn't forgotten his roots."