Rafter took an extended break from the tennis circuit after Australia's Davis Cup defeat in December due to a persistent shoulder injury.

The 29-year-old consequently withdrew from the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon, leading many to believe that his retirement was imminent.

However, Newcombe said Rafter was planning to return to Davis Cup tennis and have another attempt at Wimbledon.

"I said, 'mate you've got unfinished business. You've got Davis Cup to get your name on and you've got the honour board at Wimbledon'," Newcombe revealed.

"Don't look back when you're 40 years of age and be sorry that you didn't give it a shot when you were one of the favourites to be able to do that."

July training

Newcombe said Rafter could begin serious training with coach Tony Roche as early as next month.

"At the moment Pat's thinking that he might start practising again with Roche down in Sydney, hard, probably at the end of July," he said.

"Perhaps he'll play some tournaments in November, October in Europe and gear up and get ready for the Australian Open (in January next year)."

Rafter's girlfriend, Lara Feltham, is expecting their first child in July during the Wimbledon championships which Rafter failed narrowly to win, losing in the final in the past two years.

Feltham said last week she would not stand in his way if the twice US Open champion wanted to make a comeback to the professional tour after the birth of their child.