Pat Rafter will return to competitive tennis at the AAPT Championships in Adelaide next month, but a full-time comeback is definitely not on the cards.

The two-time US Open champion will play doubles with fellow Queenslander Josh Eagle at the season-opening event, starting on January 5.

Rafter, 30, contacted tournament director Colin Stubs last weekend requesting a wildcard, stating he needed match practice for a scheduled exhibition clash with Swede Mats Wilander in Townsville on February 2.

"This is an unexpected chance for the people of Adelaide to show their appreciation to a great Australian," Stubs said.

"His presence will add another dimension to a field which is already very solid."

In contacting Stubs, Rafter stressed the decision to play in Adelaide was not part of a comeback plan.

Argentine David Nalbandian, South Africa's Wayne Ferreira and Brit Greg Rusedski feature in the singles field for the event.

Rafter, a former world No.1 and the 2002 Australian of the year, retired from the ATP Tour in January following a 12 month sabbatical to assess his future.

His last official match was Australia's 3-2 loss to France in the Davis Cup final in December 2001.

Adelaide is a happy hunting ground for the two-time Wimbledon finalist, with Rafter enjoying doubles victories there with Americans Bryan Shelton (1997) and Jim Courier (1995).

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