It should be remembered also that both of Rafter's grand slams were U.S. Open titles in 1997-1998, so he does have happy memories there. Perhaps the pressure of knowing it's his final year in tennis that's been the problem. Certainly, Rafter has played well to reach a Wimbledon final and Australian Open semi-final, given that in the past he has often disappointed there. Last year he made the Wimbledon final, but went the way of most who've played Sampras on grass the past eight years. This year the loss to Ivanesevic was undoubtedly more painful, since Goran himself had never won a grand slam title.
Although Rafter won 2 US Open titles, in the two years since then he has lost first round in five sets. If this trend continues, perhaps he will be able to win the 2001 title, which would make an ideal swansong to his career should he retire.
He hasn't been far away from a tournament victory this year, having made so many finals. Perhaps he only needs a little bit of luck he can go one better.
One should also remember that in 1997 he lost a string of tournament finals leading into the U.S. Open final that year, where he won his first grand slam title.
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