On this day in 1997, a 24-year-old Pat Rafter, won his first grand slam trophy.
The Aussie had not won a single ATP title until that day but he made sure his maiden success was a smashing one, as he claimed a 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 over Greg Rusedski.
Rafter, seeded No13 in New York that year, had upset the second-seeded Michael Chang in the semis while the unseeded Rusedski had beaten Jonas Bjorkman in five sets.
Rafter boldly withstood Rusedski’s power serves with some smooth serveand- volley action and fell on his back when he pulled off a volley winner on match point. He then climbed to his box, imitating his idol Pat Cash’s celebration and shot to No3 in the world.
Other memorable events on this day…
1963: Cricket’s first major one-day final is played at Lord’s as the inaugural Gillette Cup final takes place.
1969: Jackie Stewart beats Jochen Rindt by 8/100ths of a second at the F1 Grand Prix in Monza in what was described as the most thrilling grand prix finish ever. There were only 19/100ths of a second between first and fourth in a race where the lead changed 14 times.
1991: A 17-year-old Monica Seles beats Martina Navratilova 7-6 (1), 6-1 to win her first US Open, her fourth career major and third grand slam of the year.
