MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - Two-time U.S. Open champion Patrick Rafter and Gabriela Sabatini, the first female player from Argentina to win a Grand Slam singles title, have been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The 33-year-old Rafter, twice a runner-up at Wimbledon in his 12-year career, is the 24th Australian to be elected.
``This is one of the highs. I don't think there is any more, this is it for me,'' Rafter said Monday at the official announcement during the Australian Open. ``I'm really surprised to receive this so young. I expected it to come later on, when I was older.''
Rafter won 11 singles titles, including the 1997 and 1998 U.S. Opens, and reached a career-high No. 1 in July 1999. He also won 12 doubles titles, including the 1999 Australian Open, and was an eight-year member of Australia's Davis Cup team.
Sabatini won the 1990 U.S. Open, reached No. 3 in the world and was ranked in the top 10 for 10 straight years. The 35-year-old player won 27 WTA Tour singles titles and 14 doubles titles, including the 1988 Wimbledon crown with Steffi Graf.
``The majority of my life has revolved around my tennis, so it is a very special honor to be elected ... especially when you look at all the great names of champions that have been elected over the years,'' Sabatini said in a statement.
Italian sports writer Gianni Clerici also will be inducted July 15 in Newport, R.I.