Tennis: Rafter may put retirement on hold

Patrick Rafter said he may put his retirement on hold to have another crack at winning the 2002 Australian Open despite indicating last month he would retire at the end of this year.

The Australian, who shaved his beard and head today to raise money for a children's charity, said he had a change of heart after reaching the semi finals at Melbourne Park last month but would monitor his form this year before making a final decision.

"I don't want to go into a tournament like the Australian Open being underdone or just there for another tribute," he said.

"I want to be there to compete and be there to win and I wouldn't just be going there if I hadn't had the tennis."

Rafter, a two-time U.S. Open champion, was beaten by eventual champion Andre Agassi in an epic five-setter at the Australian Open when he began cramping after leading two sets to one.