India Rafter, the 19-year-old daughter of Australian tennis legend Pat Rafter, has embarked on a modeling career, following in the footsteps of her mother, Lara, who was also a model. She has joined Priscillas Models, a prestigious agency based in Sydney that boasts a roster of high-profile models including Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. While India’s father achieved global fame on the tennis court, winning two US Open titles and reaching Wimbledon finals, India is forging her own path in the fashion world. Her budding career is reflected on her Instagram account, where she shares glimpses of her travels and experiences with over 2,000 followers. The agency’s website currently features her initial headshots, marking the beginning of her professional portfolio.
Pat Rafter, now 52, enjoyed a remarkable tennis career in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching six Grand Slam men’s singles finals, including victories at the US Open in 1997 and 1998. Although he never clinched the Australian Open singles title, he did win the doubles event in 1999 with Jonas Björkman. Since retiring in 2003, Rafter has maintained a lower profile, shifting his focus to business ventures, including underwear modeling for Bonds and brand ambassadorship for the Mantra Group of hotels. He also has the distinct honor of having the center court at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane named after him – the Pat Rafter Arena.
India Rafter’s entry into the modeling world comes at a time of exciting developments in the world of tennis. The 2025 Australian Open promises to be a thrilling tournament, with several storylines dominating the men’s singles draw. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner aims to defend his title, while Carlos Alcaraz seeks to become the youngest player in the Open Era to achieve a Career Grand Slam. Novak Djokovic, currently ranked No. 7, is determined to secure the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles, a challenging feat considering his path potentially includes matches against Alcaraz in the quarterfinals and Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. Sinner, however, appears to have a more favorable draw, increasing his chances of retaining the title.
The women’s singles draw presents its own compelling narratives. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is aiming for a remarkable third consecutive Australian Open title, a feat unmatched in this century. Sabalenka’s dominance in recent years makes her the clear favorite. Her toughest challenge is predicted to be a semifinal clash with Coco Gauff, who recently displayed impressive form by defeating Iga Swiatek en route to the United Cup title for the USA. Swiatek, the No. 2 seed, faces a relatively easier path to the semifinals, although she is not immune to upsets, as evidenced by previous early exits in Grand Slam tournaments. Elena Rybakina, known for her powerful game, is considered a strong contender and could potentially meet Swiatek in the semifinals.
Other players to watch in the women’s draw include Jasmine Paolini, Katie Boulter, and Emma Navarro, whose consistent improvement at Grand Slams suggests she could be poised for a deep run in Melbourne. Ons Jabeur, unseeded due to a drop in ranking, adds an element of unpredictability to the tournament. Meanwhile, Paula Badosa will be hoping to capitalize on a favorable draw. The 2025 Australian Open is shaping up to be a captivating tournament, with established stars vying for glory and emerging talents seeking to make their mark.
India Rafter, embarking on her modeling journey, joins a new generation stepping into the spotlight as her father’s legacy in the tennis world continues to be celebrated. This convergence of a burgeoning modeling career with a high-stakes tennis tournament highlights the cyclical nature of fame and achievement, with the next generation poised to carve their own paths in the world of sports and entertainment.
