Pat Rafter Leads Aussie Crocs in High-Profile Padel Exhibition

Former world No. 1 and two-time US Open champion Pat Rafter, now 53, has been named to the “Aussie Crocs,” Australia’s national padel squad. The team is slated to play an exhibition match at the Sydney Opera House beginning 15 August. Rafter, a Padel Australia ambassador, says his place on the squad reflects his standing in a sport that is still largely amateur.

The Guardian

Rafter describes a daily regimen that includes 40 minutes of stretching and strength work, followed by at least 90 minutes on the padel court. He rounds out the day with a gym session, sauna and ice-bath, noting, “I do train pretty hard.” He added that padel entered his life in 2023 after a neighbour introduced him to the game, and despite concerns about its impact on his body, he intends to “go hard while I can.”

The Guardian

Rafter highlighted the broader state of Australian tennis. He pointed to Alex de Minaur, the current Australian No. 1 who broke into the top five last month—the first Australian man to do so in 17 years—but has yet to reach a Grand Slam semi-final. Rafter questioned why Australia does not produce champions at the rate of nations like Spain and cited the country’s isolation as a possible factor.

The Guardian

• “That’s not where he wants to be,” — Rafters

The Guardian

• “It was a pretty special moment to be part of, and one I’m grateful for,” — De Minaur

The Guardian