Reuters
Australian former world number one Patrick Rafter made a successful debut at the Outback Champions Series by beating local player Luis Herrera (6-1, 6-4) in the quarterfinals of the Del Mar Development Champions Cup, a $150,000 tournament currently held in Mexico this week.
The Outback Champions Series feature retired tennis players 30 years and above. In order to qualify, the player has to meet certain requirements – such as reaching at least a Grand Slam final, being ranked in the world’s top 5 or have taken part in a winning Davis Cup team. Being a two-time U.S. Open champion and a two-time Wimbledon runner-up, Rafter is more than qualified.
Rafter was clearly excited with his debut win.
“I was pretty happy with the way I played all around. I have always been happy to get on the court and represent my country. I am excited to be here. My family and I are really happy to be in Cabo. I have never been here and it is so beautiful,” the Australian was quoted as saying after the match.
Rafter will face another formidal player in the semi-finals, former world number one American Jim Courier.
In the other semi-final match, 14-time Grand Slam champ Pete Sampras will face Swedish player Mats Wilander.
