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Switch FOR SOMEONE WHO’S NOT THAT FOND OF TAGS, PAT RAFTER CERTAINLY HAS A FEW TO HIS NAME – SPORTSMAN, ENVIRONMENTALIST, FUNDRAISER, AND ALLROUND GOOD BLOKE BUT THERE’S A LITTLE BIT OF RATBAG IN THE NICE GUY.
P
at Rafter is a nice guy. Everyone knows it. Easy going, friendly, polite. Not known for dummy spits or courtside rants. Accommodating to the media and willing to answer questions without irritation, even though he’s answered them a million and one times before. He’s the all-round decent bloke that defined his professional career. The label even comes with official paperwork – a diploma of honour from the international committee for fair play, a humanitarian award named after former champion Arthur Ashe, the Stefan Edberg Sportsman award four times over, and not forgetting, the Australian of the Year award. They don’t give that one away lightly. It’s well-known that Pat grew up in a strong Catholic family, and his down to earth upbringing steered him clear of the usual celebrity controversies and tennis tantrums. His code of conduct on and off court won the respect of fellow players and the watching audience. But as far the ‘niceness’ thing goes, according to Pat it can wear a little thin.
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Hope Island December 2009
www.getitmagazine.com.au