Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt Set to Launch a World-First Format of Tennis in Sydney: Fast4
In Sydney and in a world-first, Tennis Australia will launch a new format of tennis featuring Swiss maestro Roger 
Federer and Aussie star Lleyton Hewitt.
OnMonday 12 January, Federer will entertain tennis lovers at an exclusive exhibition match against his friend and on-court rival Hewitt, at Qantas Credit Union Arena playing a world-first format of tennis known as Fast4.
Federer and Hewitt will face off in a best-of-five sets match in this world premier event that will be played in support of the Australian Tennis Foundation.
“I can’t wait to come to the beautiful city of Sydney for this very special match against my old friend and rival, Lleyton Hewitt,” Federer said. “We’ve had some amazing battles over the years and I think we still bring out the best in each other every time we play.”
Fast4 is a revolutionary, fun, shortened format of tennis with four points, four games and four rules. Designed to appeal to even the most time-pressed players, this fresh and funky new game changer will be launched exclusively on Sydney Harbour followed by matches at Qantas Credit Union Arena (formerly known as Sydney Entertainment Centre).
Named Fast4, there are four rules:
- The First to four games wins
- No lets
- Tiebreaker at three games all – first to five points
- No ad (advantage) scoring
“I’m looking forward to help launch this new fast format of tennis, especially in Sydney,” Lleyton Hewitt said. “I love the city and it’s been a while since I’ve played here, so it will be great to do so in January.”
One night with Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt will also feature an entertaining Legends doubles match between Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, ‘the magician’ Fabrice Santoro and the hilarious pair of Henri Leconte, andMansour Bahrami. All four, along with John McEnroe and Pat Rafter, will also be in action in the Legends event at the Apia International Sydney 2015, being played at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from 11-17 January.
Top five tennis courts in Sydney
For those who want to test out this new format of tennis ahead of the official launch, here are five of the best tennis courts in Sydney.
1. Best for a rooftop rally
Have a hit atop the All Sorts Fitness & Wellbeing Centre in Alexandria at their rooftop court. The elevated location offers you privacy for you to focus on your game.
2. Best for a post-match coffee and stroll
Hidden away in Woollahra is Cooper Park, home to eight tennis courts amongst 12 hectares of urban bushland and parkland. There is also a junior oval, children’s playground, walking tracks and a café close by.
3. Best for a range of tennis surfaces
Whether you’re after the grip of a clay court or the soft slide of grass, White Cityhas plenty of options for all players. Home to seven real grass, six astro-turf and one artificial clay court, there is a surface for every style.
4. Best for a swing and a drink
Once you’ve called “game, set and match” at Marrickville Tennis Club, in Sydney’s inner west, reward yourself with an icy cold drink and great meal that won’t break the bank.
5. Best for history and heritage
Open since 1982, Neutral Bay Club is Sydney’s oldest and longest-running tennis club. Recently renovated it has a deck overlooking the synthetic grass courts and great pub meals.
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