Pat Rafter

2001 may be Rafter's last chance to win the Davis Cup

Patrick Rafter had to win a fitness battle to make the Davis Cup final after suffering from tendonitis in his right arm.

Rafter has been unable to serve at full power since the semi-final win over Sweden in September, and he was disappointing in the recent Masters Cup in Sydney.

The 28-year-old is eager to go out on a high in this year's final after the disappointment of losing to Spain at the same stage in 2000.

He has already said he will take a long break from tennis after the Davis Cup and admits he is considering retirement - so this could be his last chance to lift the trophy.

  Pat Rafter facts

DOB 28.12.72

Height 6' 1"

Weight 190lbs

World Ranking 7

Cup singles record

17-10

Cup doubles record

3-0

His form in the tournament this year has not been good.

After wins over both Lapentti brothers against Ecuador, he lost in the quarter-finals to Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten, and in the semis was beaten by Sweden's Thomas Johansson.

But Rafter recovered his form sufficiently to produce a winning doubles partnership with Lleyton Hewitt against Brazil.

The popular player has been unlucky during Australia's run to the final in the previous two years.

In 1999 he missed the win over France because of injury and in last year's defeat by Spain he was forced to withdraw from the opening rubber against Juan-Carlos Ferrero because of cramp.

Rafter has also been a nearly man in two of this year's Grand Slams, losing in the semis to Andre Agassi at the Australian Open and being beaten by Goran Ivanisevic in the final at Wimbledon.

Rafter has two Grand Slam titles to his name, winning the US Open in 1997 and 1998.