Pat Rafter recalls getting booted from watching Star Wars movie as a child

Australian tennis player Pat Rafter recently reminisced about growing up in the mining town of Mount Isa in Queensland.

As a little boy, Rafter was pulled out of the 'biggest movie of the year' - Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. He recalled sitting outside the theatre with tears streaming down his cheeks until his brother found him and brought him back inside the cinema.

"I do remember getting chucked out of the movie cinema once too," Pat Rafter said. "We all used to throw the tops off our drinks around. Anyway, I was a little fella, I got pulled out of Empire Strikes Back – Star Wars."

Rafter's brother noticed him outside and asked why he was not watching the movie. After realizing that he was not allowed to go back in alone, his brother picked him up and took him back inside.

"My brother saw me… he said, 'What are you doing out here?' I was just crying outside so he picked me up and said, 'Come on, back in with me.' That's just the way it rolled."

Rafter was born into a large family, and it took almost 17 years and nearly a full football team of siblings before the family left Mount Isa for the Sunshine Coast. The Rafter family had a connection to the area long before Pat's birth, as he was named after his paternal grandfather, a police constable in the neighboring town of Cloncurry.

Despite his accomplishments, Rafter still cherishes the simple memories of his childhood in Mount Isa, including being pulled out of a Star Wars movie, as it reflects the humble beginnings that shaped his life.

A look at the career of Pat Rafter

In his career, Rafter won a total of 11 singles titles and 10 doubles titles, including two US Open singles titles in 1997 and 1998, and a Wimbledon doubles title in 1999. He also won the Davis Cup with Australia in 1999 and 2003, solidifying his status as a national hero.

Pat Rafter's aggressive playing style and ability to perform under pressure made him a fan favorite, especially in Australia, where he was known for his trademark 'come on' call after winning important points. He retired from professional tennis in 2002, but continued to play in exhibition matches and doubles tournaments.

Off the court, Pat Rafter was known for his charitable work, particularly his efforts to raise money for children's hospitals in Australia. He was also inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the sport.

Rafter remains a beloved figure in Australian tennis and a role model for aspiring players around the world. His career highlights serve as a testament to his dedication and talent, and his impact on the sport will be felt for generations to come.