Pat Rafter is dusting off his sneakers to grace the courts in Melbourne with Lleyton Hewitt as wildcard entries in the men’s doubles.
The 41-year-old, who has come out of a decade of retirement, remained coy in the press conference on Sunday, saying he hoped tournament officials weren’t drug testing for chocolate or he’d be in trouble.
“My mates are sending me texts saying, ‘can you please work on your returns?’ I’ll definitely be the worst player out there, but I’ll have fun,” said Rafter.
“Doubles: half a court. I think I can do that.”
Hewitt, who crashed the press conference with just as much cheek, is looking forward to playing alongside the two-time US Open winner.
“I think he still thinks he’s got it in him, so … Hope I don’t have to carry him too much,” he said, grinning.
”While we’re still able to move around the court together, it’s nice we can go out there and play in a grand slam.
”I obviously looked up to Pat a hell of a lot growing up. He really helped me out. It’s great that he’s Davis Cup captain for me now, as well. Most likely I’ll finish my career with him as Davis Cup captain, which is fantastic.”
When asked whether his comeback will last long enough to play in Australia’s Davis Cup match against France at the end of the month, Rafter said he hoped he will only be sitting on the sidelines as captain.
“There would have to be food poisoning, sicknesses. That would be my worst nightmare,” he said.
The duo are drawn to play South African Raven Klaasen and American Eric Butorac in the first round of the Australian Open men’s doubles this month, but Rafter claims Hewitt’s singles matches are still the most important.
Hewitt will face Italian, Andreas Seppi in round one of the men’s singles today.
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