The two-time US Open winner has led the Australian men's tennis team since October 2010, helping the nation back into the World Group for 2014 - and overseeing their play-off win over Uzbekistan in September that takes them back to the top tier for 2015.
Rafter will continue to captain the team into 2015 in conjuction with his new role, which starts on February 1, with no successor appointed.
The likely scenario would see Cup stalwart and two-time major winner Lleyton Hewitt ease into the captaincy as he is tipped to, with the South Australian likely to announce his retirement prior to the 2016 season.
Rafter said he will be charged with finding innovative methods to improve Australian tennis players.
Rafter said.
Tennis Australia president Steve Healy said Rafter's ascension to the performance role could be ground-breaking.
Healy said.
"That just exemplifies Pat Rafter the person and this great Australian's commitment to the sport of tennis."
&format=webp)
-
Other Sports 13.02.2017Nike film for equality
-
Other Sports 22.11.2016Goldberg beats Brock Lesnar in 90 seconds at Survivor Series. -
Other Sports 15.06.2016F1 star turns to an old man in new commercial
-
Other Sports 10.03.2016Tennis star announces she failed a drug test at 2016 Australian Open
-
Other Sports 20.01.2016French tennis star pauses game, attend to girl struck by ball
-
Other Sports 15.12.2015F1 Champ says he played his music for Kanye West
-
Other Sports 26.11.2015Late wrestler's DVD and Blu-ray to premiere December 2
-
Other Sports 24.11.2015UFC Champions calls Floyd Mayweather the 'greatest ever'
-
Other Sports 17.11.2015Veteran artiste Sound Sultan shares on how he became a basketball team owner
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)