A player with an illustrious career behind him which was later blighted by injury and eventually ended by premature retirement.

After being plagued with a serious shoulder injury which restricted his serving, Rafter chose to take a break from the tour in 2002.

And that break eventually became permament, with the announcement of his retirement in January 2003.

Rafter's career reached its peak in 1997 and 1998 when he won the US Open in each year and finished second and then fourth in the end-of-season world rankings.

A hugely popular player on the circuit, the Australian has an excellent all-round game.

His serve-volley style was obviously well suited to grass, and he was runner-up at the Wimbledon championships in 2000 and 2001.

Rafter also helped Australia to the Davis Cup final in 1999, although injury ruled him out of the final.

The following year, as Australia returned to the final, Rafter retired with cramp in the second rubber as the side lost in Spain.

Australia reached the final once more in 2001, and were overwhelming favourites to give Rafter a winning send-off.

But France spoiled the party in what proved to be his last outing as a professional player.