Pat Rafter doesn’t look the same anymore! Tennis ace is hardly recognizable in current pictures

After decades in the limelight as one of Australia’s most successful tennis stars, Pat Rafter now enjoys a quieter life away from the public eye in Byron Bay.

But the former world-ranked tennis player recently made a rare public appearance.

Rafter was once voted People’s Sexiest Athlete Alive the same year he became a star after winning his first US Open in 1997.

At the time, he wore thick, long hair, a stubbly beard and an engraved six-pack.

These days, the 50-year-old has shed his signature shoulder-length hair.

After decades in the limelight as one of Australia’s most successful tennis stars with two Grand Slam victories, Pat Rafter (pictured in 2000) now enjoys a quieter life away from the public eye in Byron Bay

The sports star’s beard is also reportedly a talking point for fans, as he has decided to grow it out to show off his brown and gray facial hair.

Pat now spends most of his time in his million-dollar Byron Bay home with his wife Lara and their two children, Joshua, 20, and India, 18.

He rarely appears in public but was photographed with his gray beard speaking to the media in Brisbane last year.

After making a public appearance in 2022, many fans said the former world number one tennis player was unrecognizable. Pictured: Rafter last December

The tennis star’s beard seems to be a talking point for fans as he decided to let it grow to show off his brown and gray facial hair

The US Open champion gave a speech last year at the Pat Rafter Arena at the Queensland Tennis Centre, which was named after him when it opened in 2008.

Rafter also caused a stir at this year’s Australian Open when he was spotted training at a gym in Melbourne Park during the first week of the tournament.

“Still looking good,” wrote a fan of the two-time Grand Slam winner.

Despite trying to live a quiet life after a long career, Rafter hasn’t stayed out of controversy.

In January this year, tennis star Nick Kyrgios publicly criticized Rafter for calling his doubles pairing with Thanasi Kokkinakis a “circus” that sidelines other stars.

He added that the tennis legend has “absolutely no idea” how today’s players think.

Rafter also caused a stir at this year’s Australian Open when he was spotted training at a gym in Melbourne Park during the tournament. Rafter seen in January 2023

The 50-year-old has shed his signature shoulder-length hair, but his brunette tresses are still tousled and long (pictured in 1998).

The ‘Special Ks’ were a huge draw at last year’s Australian Open when they won the men’s doubles title in flamboyant style, with wild cheers on the court as they got the crowd on their side – but angering some of their opponents.

Rafter revealed in comments to the Australian Open’s Happy Slam podcast that he’s not exactly a fan of the duo’s style.

“It’s a bit like a circus.” Doubles is a great event, it’s a lot of fun and it helps you in singles, but it’s not what it’s about.

“If they create drama, create ticket sales and make people watch, then that’s good for them, but at what cost I don’t know.”

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios publicly criticized Rafter for calling his doubles pairing with Thanasi Kokkinakis a “circus” that sidelines other stars

“The players are really upset. Should you understand the unwritten rule that if you do, don’t behave like this?

Kyrgios didn’t take it and hit back on Twitter shortly after the podcast was released.

“He would have absolutely no idea what the dressing room was thinking,” wrote the 29-year-old.

“Kokk and I have great relationships with most of the players on tour.” The guy has no idea.’

Kyrgios said Rafter had “absolutely no idea” how today’s players think