Who has better career: Lleyton Hewitt or Patrick Rafter?

[fedtastic]

Lleyton Hewitt

Australian Open F (2005)
French Open QF (2001, 2004)
Wimbledon W (2002)
US Open W (2001)

Patrick Rafter

Australian Open SF (2001)
French Open SF (1997)
Wimbledon F (2000, 2001)
US Open W (1997, 1998)

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Apologies if this topic has been discussed already but I just want some fresh perspective on this topic.

I believe Lleyton Hewitt has had a better career and is a better player since he has won Grand Slams on grass and hardcourt while Rafter has only won on hardcourts winning the US open twice.

Lleyton Hewitt lost to Marat Safin and Roger Federer the other 2 times he reached the grand slam finals while Rafter lost to Pete Sampras and Goran ivanisevic. Hewitt lost to better players in the finals than Rafter.

 

[kafelnikov]

Hewitt, but this one is pretty close.

 

[scineram]

Lleyton Hewitt. World number one 2001-2002.

 

[Conquistador]

Hewitt, Hands down.

 

[kimbahpnam]

You forgot to add to Hewitt's list: Wimbledon 2009 QF

 

[stanfordtennis alum]

hewitt.. hands down

 

[lambielspins]

Hewitt. Not sure if he is really the better player but definitely had the better career.

 

[SempreSami]

You forgot to add to Hewitt's list: Wimbledon 2009 QF

Given that he won Wimbledon, that wouldn't go down amongst his best performances.

 

[gsharma]

Rafter, for the duration of time that he was relevant. Hewitt has been irrelevant since 2003-2004. Plus, Hewitt is a known racist and bigot.

 

[Rafter4ever]

Rafter. One of the few players that have reached the semis of all 4 slams. If not for that injured shoulder in '99, that USO was his.

 

[NadalandFedererfan]

Rafter. One of the few players that have reached the semis of all 4 slams. If not for that injured shoulder in '99, that USO was his.

I doubt it. His only wins over Agassi from 99-2001 were on grass. Agassi always got the better of him on hard courts those few years.

 

[Rafter4ever]

I doubt it. His only wins over Agassi from 99-2001 were on grass. Agassi always got the better of him on hard courts those few years.

I don't know. Rafter was at his peak and played his best tennis during that time. Agassi did beat him on grass in '99 Wimby semis (straight sets).