By Chris Soderstrom
Brisbane’s new $82 million tennis centre was yesterday officially named after two-time US Open winner and our very own Australian Tennis Magazine publisher, Pat Rafter.
The soon to be completed ‘Rafter Arena’, a 5,500-seat stadium, will be home to the new Brisbane International men’s and women’s championship which will be held in the lead up to the Australian Open in January.
“Pat is an iconic Queenslander whose contribution to the game both on and off the court has inspired a generation of tennis players,” said Queensland Premier Ms Anna Bligh at the launch.
“The name ‘Rafter’ is synonymous with tennis, not only in Queensland but throughout the world. It is fitting that the new centre court arena of this world-class facility is to be named after a home grown champion like Pat.”
“Pat claimed his place among the great players in Queensland’s proud tennis history with his first Grand Slam win at the 1997 US Open. He then successfully defended his title the following year.”
The Brisbane International will draw top tennis stars Novak Djokovic, Marcos Baghdatis and Ana Ivanovic to ‘Rafter Arena’.