Patrick Rafter turned professional in 1993. In 1993 he made himself known in Indianapolis when, as an unknown, he beat the then world number 1 Pete Sampras in the quarterfinals after an authentic battle, only to then lose in the semifinals in three sets to Boris Becker . He won his first singles title in 1994 in Manchester, using his serve-and-volley skills. Prior to 1997, this would be the only singles title of his career.

Rafter's climb began in 1997, starting with Roland Garros, where he reached the semifinals, losing to Sergi Bruguera in four sets. In the same season he won the final of the US Open against Greg Rusedski, beating among others Andre Agassi and Michael Chang. The Australian wins the final act in four sets and puts his first Grand Slam title on the bulletin board.

In 1998 he won two consecutive Masters Series tournaments, Toronto and Cincinnati, a feat only achieved by Agassi in 1995, Andy Roddick in 2003 and Rafael Nadal in 2013. In Canada he beat Richard Krajicek in the final, winning the first Masters of his career. In Cincinnati he defeats in order Guillaume Raoux, Todd Martin, Petr Korda, Evgenij Kafel'nikov and Pete Sampras.

After the victory in Cincinnati, he achieved his second triumph at the US Open, in the final of which he beat the other Australian Mark Philippoussis in four sets.