Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter has been appointed Tennis Australia’s new director of performance.

The role is effectively the most powerful in Australia’s professional tennis ranks, with Rafter to report directly to TA chief Craig Tiley.

Rafter will start in the role on February 1, the week after the Australian Open.

“It’s a challenge I am really looking forward to,” Rafter said on Wednesday.

“There is so much I can learn but also a lot I think I can contribute.

“It’s exciting. I feel the time is right to step into this role and help us take the next step.

“I think about it all the time. What can we do better? What can our kids be doing that can make them better than any of the kids from other countries? What more can they do to be the best?”

The former world No.1, though, says he won’t be taking on the job believing he has all the answers.

“Far from it,” he said.

“I am going to take my time, listen, watch and learn.

“But I also think there is a lot I have gleaned from years on the tour being around a lot of great players, coaches and people that can help us get better and better.”

Tiley was delighted to make the appointment, but asked the public to give the two-time grand slam champion time to settle into the role.

“Pat is an outstanding person, strong leader and terrific mentor,” Tiley said.

“His principles and personal ideology align very strongly with what we want young Australians to achieve in world tennis.

“What he has already done with the Davis Cup team is a credit to his leadership and we have high hopes for him in this role.”

Rafter remains Australia’s Davis Cup captain, but his new position will inevitably lead to speculation his appointment is the first step towards veteran Lleyton Hewitt taking over that post when he retires.