Pat Rafter fears 'choking' in doubles return with Hewitt
Partnership revives memories of doubles rubber defeat against France, effectively losing Australia the 2001 Davis Cup
Australia's Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter has enjoyed smiting foes on the seniors tour since retiring, but fears he may have bitten off more than he can chew by agreeing to partner Lleyton Hewitt in the Australian Open doubles.
The partnership with Hewitt, the most recent of Australia's grand slam winners, may leave sentimental locals misty-eyed as it hearkens back to the days when Australian men walked tall on the tour at the turn of the century.
For twice US Open champion Rafter, who will return to the A-grade after a 13-year retirement at the age of 41, the feelings are rather different.
I'm playing with one of the best players in the competition. Figure it's like eating chocolate or having broccoli, sort of equals it out
Rafter bowed out of tennis after his last matchup with Hewitt, a doubles rubber defeat against France, effectively lost Australia the 2001 Davis Cup.
"Under pressure, I'll probably choke," the former world number one joked. "Expect that to happen."
Rafter's Davis Cup tie with Hewitt is in Australian folklore as one of the most calamitous collaborations in the country's sporting history.
The pair were thrown together for the doubles in a surprise move, with an injured Rafter swapping with doubles specialist Wayne Arthurs.