Bud Collins is reporting that Patrick is considering returning in time for the US Open. I don't think it's official, but I would love to see him play again.

If he does, too bad he won't return in time for Wimbledon. Especially with Goran out now.

OK - I know there are a lot of new young cuties out there. but without question the hottest tennis player is Patrick Rafter. Especially when he had the long hair.

Don't tease me. Rafter is easily my all time favorite tennis player and sexiest man alive. I loved his long hair and still miss it. He's still capable of winning another major and that may be what will drive him to return. Plus, these guys who've been on the tour so long, they need a break, it does them a world of mental good, not to mention how it helps the body. Patrick is a player who doesn't hit his stride without a lot of match play though, so he'll need to plan his comeback carefully, so as to peak at the US Open...

I would love to see Rafter return. I loved his game, and his grace on and off the court. Rafter with long hair was one of the most breathtaking men I've ever seen.

This thread has just made my day. I so hope Patrick's back for the US hardcourt season (including Cincinnati and the Indianapolis RCA Championships, where he has always played so well). Imagine it: What a way to really retire with a third US Open title. A boy can dream, can't he?

I hate to be a party-pooper, but word of Rafter's return is evidently false. The story from AP (on Yahoo!):
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news/ap/200205...r-comeback.html