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Two-time US Open champion Pat Rafter looks distinctly different from his glory days at Flushing Meadows. The Australian tennis legend, who defeated Greg Rusedski and compatriot Mark Philippoussis in back-to-back finals to clinch the US Open titles in 1997 and 1998, will have understood how Carlos Alcaraz felt as he triumphed over Jannik Sinner in four sets to clinch the championship and become world No.1.

Rafter, now 52, not only enjoyed a successful career on the court, reaching world No. 1 in 1999 and making it to two Wimbledon finals, but he also gained fame beyond the sport due to his striking good looks. In 1997, People Magazine named him the Sexiest Athlete Alive, but in recent years, he has traded his iconic long, dark hair for a shorter style.

Now sporting a more cropped look than fans remember from his US Open victories, Rafter reached the pinnacle of his career when he became world No. 1 in 1999 and made it to two Wimbledon finals before retiring his racket in 2003.

Away from the court, Rafter married Lara Feltham in 2004 after nearly seven years together, and they have two children. Since retiring, Rafter has served as a pundit and taken on administrative roles with Tennis Australia, but it appears he is set to make an unexpected comeback in a different sport.

The Daily Mail reveals that Rafter will compete for Australia at the FIP Asia Padel Cup in Doha, Qatar next month. The former Davis Cup captain has confessed to not being naturally suited to padel, despite his tennis pedigree.

"I came in swinging from the hip and not knowing what the hell I was doing," Rafter told ABC Sport. "So it was pretty entertaining for them, watching this tennis player thinking he could rule the padel court. After a few games, I found a passion for it. I just thought: 'God, this is a really complicated sport.' Now I'm stuck with it."

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While he's currently pursuing a new sport, Rafter likely kept a close eye on the US Open final between Alcaraz and Sinner. The pair have won the last eight majors, claiming four titles apiece, and Alcaraz's victory in New York saw him overtake Sinner in the world rankings.

Acknowledging his growing rivalry with Sinner, Alcaraz praised the Italian ace in his victory speech: "I want to start with Jannik. It's unbelievable what you are doing during the whole season. Great level during every tournament you are playing. I see you more than my family!" he joked.

"It's great to share the court, to share the locker rooms, to share everything with you. Watching you improve every day, working really hard with your team, really great people around. So just congratulations for everything you are doing and great performance for the whole week."

Similarly, Sinner began his speech by praising his opponent: "You are doing amazing, congrats. I know it's a lot of hard work behind this performance today. You were better than me. Congrats, enjoy it, it's a great moment."