---
title: 'PAT RAFTER SPEAKS TO EUROSPORT DURING INSTAGRAM LIVE SESSION'
url: 'https://media.wbdsports.com/post/pat-rafter-speaks-to-eurosport-during-instagram-live-session-1'
author: 'Welcome to WBD Sports'
published: '2020-04-06T13:02:00+00:00'
updated: '2020-05-07T12:25:38+00:00'
description: 'Former world number one and two-time US Open champion Pat Rafter spoke to Eurosport as part of an Instagram Live session today.'
image: 'https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/cwsassets/dis-613765c33c1ce/2021/09/28/5e8b0c309a1cf_thumbnail.jpg?version=1632840906'
category: Tennis
language: en
---

# PAT RAFTER SPEAKS TO EUROSPORT DURING INSTAGRAM LIVE SESSION

![](https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/cwsassets/dis-613765c33c1ce/2021/09/28/5e8b0c309a1cf_thumbnail.jpg?version=1632840906)

**Former world number one and two-time US Open champion Pat Rafter spoke to [Eurosport](https://www.instagram.com/eurosport/?hl=en) as part of an Instagram Live session today.**

**Do you think we are going to get some tennis in this year?**  
No, I think this is going to be around for a long time. Until they get a vaccine I can’t see how anyone is going to be playing. Personally, I think it’ll be like the flu and we’ll have to get used to it.  
  
**Why don’t players play a serve and volley game as much any longer like you did?**  
It’s a lot harder to play – I think the technology such as the strings make it a lot harder. When a player does it, they seem to do it very well. The extreme technology of the racquet these days creates a lot of power and lot of spin, especially when they are out wide. In the past, you’d get a player out wide, you’d come in and the point was pretty much all over.   
  
**Who was the toughest player you played against during your career and why?**  
The toughest player I played against was definitely Pete Sampras – he did everything I did, only better. His record was the best so there’s no doubt about it Sampras the stand-out. I enjoyed playing Andre Agassi the most – I thought we had a really good battle, I really enjoyed playing him.  
  
**Did you once call Pete Sampras a “cry baby” on-court?**  
I can’t remember the exact words, but we had a run-in in Cincinnatti one year - I probably told him to grow up. He cracked it when I beat him one time. But that was back in the old days, emotions were running high and don’t take it personally. It’s all good.  
  
**Who would you like to have played from the current era?**  
No-one! Someone like Djokovic would make my life miserable. He returns too well. Someone like Rafa, I reckon I could get two and two \[6-2, 6-2\] in my heyday, on the fastest court you have ever seen. They are two of the best players I have ever seen.  
  
**Do you think they could play tennis tournaments behind-closed-doors?**  
I think they could. No spectators. Sure. No ball-boys – I’d love to see the players pick up the balls themselves!  
  
**Who’s your favourite next superstar?**  
I want to see a bit more of the Canadian boy Felix Auger Aliassime, I like him and the way he plays – I’m keeping an eye out for him. From an Australian point of view, Alex Di Minaur for sure.  
  
**Why don’t you play on the Seniors Tour any longer?**  
It’s hard for me as it’s hard for me to get to a lot of places. Where I live \[in Australia\] it’s tough to get over for a one-off tournament, it’s a big effort unless there are two or three tournaments back-to-back that want me to play.

*Head to the [@Eurosport](https://www.instagram.com/eurosport/?hl=en) Instagram page for more fun content from the world of sport.*