Pat Rafter on Padel, Tennis, and Why Australia Lags Spain 2026

Pat Rafter, the two-time US Open champion, recently opened up about his passion for padel and the puzzling question of why Australia isn't producing tennis players like Spain. In an exclusive interview, Rafter, now 53, shares his training regimen and his role as a Padel Australia ambassador, offering a unique perspective on the future of racket sports.

Pat Rafter's Padel Journey and the Aussie Crocs

Rafter has embraced padel, a miniature form of tennis, with remarkable dedication. He is a member of the Aussie Crocs, the national padel squad set to compete in an exhibition at the Sydney Opera House starting 15 August. Despite his legendary status in tennis, Rafter insists his spot on the team is earned through hard work.

“I do train pretty hard,” Rafter says. “The body doesn’t allow me to do any more than a certain amount, but it’s a lot more than the other guys who are working.” His daily routine in Byron Bay includes 40 minutes of stretching, 90 minutes on the padel court, beach sessions, and gym work, all aimed at maintaining his competitive edge.

Why Australia Lags Behind Spain in Tennis Talent

Rafter’s comments highlight a growing concern in Australian tennis. While Alex De Minaur recently broke into the top five, the country hasn't produced a male Grand Slam champion since 2005. Spain, by contrast, has a deep pipeline of talent, including Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. Rafter admits, “Why aren’t we producing players like Spain? I don’t know.”

This disparity is often attributed to differences in coaching, infrastructure, and a culture that prioritizes other sports. Rafter suggests that padel and pickleball could help broaden the racket sports base in Australia, potentially uncovering future tennis stars.

Training Like a Champion: Rafter's Daily Routine

Rafter’s training is a testament to his enduring athleticism. He combines traditional strength work with modern recovery methods, ensuring his body can handle the demands of competitive padel.

• 40 minutes of stretching and strength training each morning
• 90+ minutes of padel practice most days
• Beach sessions playing a rugby variant with friends
• Gym session, sauna, and ice bath for recovery

This regimen, he says, is “for wellbeing as well,” but it also provides the physical foundation needed to compete at a high level.

Padel vs. Pickleball: The Rise of Mini Tennis

Tennis Australia has adopted both padel and pickleball to grow the sport. Rafter is the biggest advocate, but he also remains involved in traditional tennis as vice captain of the Laver Cup. The event, scheduled for next month in London, will see him working with Alex De Minaur on the Rest of the World team.

Key Takeaways from Rafter's Insights

• Padel is a viable pathway for tennis development
• Australia's tennis gap with Spain is a systemic issue
• Rafter's training shows the importance of cross-training
• Laver Cup provides a platform for mentoring young players

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