Sabatini, Rafter Enshrined at Newport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Liza Horan
330 Third Ave.
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212-682-6829
liza@tenniswire.org
07/17/06 -
The following are highlights of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for Patrick Rafter and Gabriela Sabatini on Saturday, July 15, in Newport, RI.
For more coverage of the happenings, including live auction items to raise money for the ITHF, click here to read the July 17 edition of our email newsletter, the Bulletin.
By Liza Horan, Editor
Dream comes true for Patrick Rafter
The dapper-as-ever Patrick Rafter, who won two U.S. Open championships, was presented for enshrinement by his father, Jim, who reflected on his youngest son of 10 children and read a letter from Hall of Famers John Newcombe and Tony Roche.
The elder Famers' comments noted that while anyone with some talent can work hard and succeed, "the real test is how you conduct yourself when you reach the top."
Pat Rafter's true colors shown bright, they wrote, when Pat spontaneously turned over his winner's check at the 1998 U.S. Open to the Starlight Children's Foundation. Could've given it to his ol' man, quipped the senior Mr. Rafter.
When the new Hall of Famer took the podium, Rafter said he always secretly longed to be acknowledged by his peers. On Saturday, this dream happened, capping his tennis career.
"To be acknowledged by my peers and the hierarchy of the tennis body is one of the most exciting things that has ever happened in my tennis career, and my life," Rafter said. "I am very honored to be now a part of the Tennis Hall of Fame and this elite club."
These days the Aussie's athletic pursuits consist of golf, surfing and yoga; any tennis may come as a hitting partner for the Davis Cup, if he is so called upon.
While it was clear his competitive tennis days are over, Rafter's dedication to children--his own and otherwise--is constant.
"My wife and two children are the center of my life and will be forever," said Rafter, who continues to help kids through his foundation, Cherish the Children.
Sabatini credits tennis and Graf
Argentina's Gabriela Sabatini spent 10 years in the Top 10 of the WTA Tour. Before she got there, though, she had a friend and rival in Steffi Graf of Germany. They met at age 12 and, Sabatini, formed a bond that saw them through many roles, often opponents, sometimes doubles partners, and always friends.
As Graf took the podium to present Sabatini for enshrinement, and Sabatini followed, it seemed the crowd was sharing a special acknowledgement of lifelong friendship that tennis made.
Graf called Sabatini "one-of-a-kind" and noted her athleticism, grace, loyalty and honesty. While Sabatini has influenced the women's game technically, as well as children and people of all ages, "the greatest impact you've made is on me," said Graf.
Sabatini reciprocated by saying that Graf always challenged her physically and mentally on the court.
"You have been a really important person in my career. It is your qualities as a person that I admire most," said Sabatini, striking in a white dress and jacket. "You have made me a better player and a better person. Truly."
From the moment she picked up a racquet at age six, Sabatini said she was hooked: "It became the only thing I wanted to do! I focused only on the joy I felt when I held a racquet in my hand." She went on to say that as a shy girl, tennis gave her the opportunity to open her mind, and taught her to face and overcome obstacles.
"I was a very introverted person and it wasn't easy for me to relate to others," she said. "Tennis has exposed me to so many things in such positive ways that perhaps I wouldn't have experienced it if it wasn't through tennis."
Photos courtesy ITHF/Michael Baz
