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

Pat Rafter, the two-time US Open champion and former world No. 1, is now championing padel as an ambassador and player for the Aussie Crocs. In a recent interview, he questioned why Australia isn't producing players like Spain, a nation that dominates both tennis and padel. His candid remarks highlight a growing concern in Australian racket sports.

Why Australia Struggles to Produce Players Like Spain

Rafter, 53, points to Spain's systematic approach to developing young talent. "They have a culture of racket sports," he says, noting that padel is hugely popular there, which feeds into tennis. Australia, by contrast, has a smaller pool of players and fewer opportunities for juniors to play competitively.

He emphasizes that Spain's success isn't accidental. Their federation invests heavily in coaching and facilities, while padel courts are as common as tennis courts. This creates a pipeline of athletes who are comfortable with net play and quick reflexes.

The Role of Padel in Australia's Future

Tennis Australia has embraced padel and pickleball to broaden its appeal. Rafter believes this is key. "Padel is easier to learn and more social," he explains. "It can bring people into the sport who might never pick up a tennis racket."

He trains 90 minutes daily on the padel court, plus strength and stretching. His routine is a model for older athletes, showing that padel is a lifelong sport.

Pat Rafter's Fitness and Training Regime

At home in Byron Bay, Rafter starts with 40 minutes of mobility work. He then plays padel, often with mates, and finishes with a gym session, sauna, and ice bath. "It's for wellbeing as well as performance," he says.

His dedication is impressive, but he admits the body limits him. "I can't do more than a certain amount," he laughs. Still, he outworks most amateurs.

Laver Cup and Alex De Minaur

Rafter will serve as vice captain at the Laver Cup in London next month. He'll mentor Alex De Minaur, who recently broke into the top five—the first Australian man in 17 years. Rafter sees De Minaur as a role model, but stresses that more depth is needed.

"We have one great player, but Spain has ten," he says. That gap is what he wants to close.

Comparison: Australia vs. Spain in Tennis and Padel

Key Takeaways for Australian Tennis

• Invest in padel infrastructure to build racket skills.
• Create more competitive junior leagues.
• Adopt Spain's coaching methodologies.
• Encourage cross-training between tennis and padel.

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