Rafter last played on the ATP tour in November 2001

The former world number one and double US Open champion accepted a wildcard to play doubles with Josh Eagle.

The pair went down 3-6 6-4 6-3 to Vincent Spadea and Mark Merkein in the first round of the men's doubles.

The 31-year-old intends play at the Australian Open with Eagle but said he was happy with his decision to retire.

"This is as far as I go... as long as I can play a bit of golf and tennis and enjoy myself while I'm here," Rafter said in Adelaide.

As well as his wins at Flushing Meadows Rafter made two Wimbledon final appearances, but he has no regrets and insisted there was no chance of his returning to the competitive arena.

"I miss, every now and then, the opportunity to be in a final or grasp something that I never had," he added.

"Watching finals like Wimbledon and Grand Slams, Davis Cup finals, they are the ones you sort of sit back and go 'geez, I wish I was there'.

"Every day was full. It's a very selfish life and I just knew that I didn't want to do that anymore.

"I was actually really starting to lose my nerve as well. I wasn't enjoying all the expectation and pressure on me before matches, whereas before I used to really enjoy it.

"That side of things really caught up with me, I didn't enjoy the feeling of waiting to go on the court anymore."