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Airdate: Fast4

'New tennis format' Fast4 begins next week on Nine with Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt and Rafael Nadal.

2015-01-05_1121‘New tennis format’ Fast4 begins next week on Nine with Roger Federer vs Lleyton Hewitt in Sydney,

Rafael Nadal also appears in Melbourne against 3 opponents.

Nine Network’s Head of Sport, Steve Crawley, said: “Big names, fast games. At Nine’s Wide World of Sports we can’t wait to showcase this stunning new tennis format.”

Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said, “There is no doubt that Roger Federer is one the greatest tennis players we have ever seen. It is a major coup for us to work with him on the global launch of FAST4 in this world-first opportunity for Sydney.

“We see FAST4 as a game-changer that will revolutionise tennis, particularly at club and social levels. Time today is precious and FAST4 is perfect for any player who wants to fit tennis into a busy
lifestyle.

“While Roger and Lleyton will play FAST4 within a traditional match format, Rafa is going to really mix it up. He is one of the most exciting and dynamic sportsmen in the world, and I can’t wait to see him take on not just one but three opponents at this special event.

“Rafa is also looking forward to premiering tennis at the recently completed Margaret Court Arena in
Melbourne, which now fittingly has what we believe to be the world’s fastest retractable roof.”

The FAST4 format has been successfully piloted at tennis clubs across the country and is designed to offer players a fast alternative to traditional tennis. There are no advantage scores, lets are played, tie-breakers apply at three games all, and the first to four games wins the set. FAST4 will appeal to tennis fans and players of all ages and abilities, and is perfect for those keen to fit a fun and competitive tennis match into a busy lifestyle.

At the global launch in Sydney, Federer will showcase the new format against Australian champion Lleyton Hewitt. In Melbourne, Nadal will mix it up by taking on a trio of opponents including former world No.7 Fernando Verdasco, Mark Philippoussis and his compatriot Omar Jasika, the reigning US Open Junior champion.

Monday, January 12, 2015
7:30pm –Sydney, Melbourne (Live)
7:30pm local time – Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney
Marquee match: Roger Federer vs Lleyton Hewitt

Wednesday, January 14, 2015
7:30pm – Sydney, Melbourne (LIVE)
7:30pm local time – Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Rafael Nadal will play one set against both Mark Philippoussis and reigning US Open Junior champion Omar Jasika, and the best of five sets against former world No.7 Fernando Verdasco.

Check local guides.

13 Responses

  1. Even staunch tennis fans would not remember when Australia and the USA were unbeatable many years ago. Both countries had players who would wipe the court with todays mediocre mob of overpaid baseline bashers.
    Today both nations are stuggling to produce anyone capable of hitting a ball over the net consistently, particularly Australia. Tennis is now played by mostly unknowns with unpronouncable names from countries that don’t even play the game while more and more suburban courts disappear from our suburbs.

    If anyone believes this pure garbage soon to be on Nine is going to boost the profile of tennis, they are in for a massive shock. It simply shows how greedy the prima donnas are who will be participating in this non event.

  2. Saw the promo for this this week. I knew it wasnt going to be Live all around the nation. The concept itself is fine but i dont think it will be a major part of the Tour.

  3. “We see FAST4 as a game-changer that will revolutionise tennis” – doubt it. Tennis schedule is already to full with grand slams, ATP tour, davis cup and so on.

  4. I know that the Australians love their sport, but how much can one take, surely they can find something else beside this, glad for Foxtell even though there are a lot of repeats its still better than sport, sport, sport on all free to air channels and why don’t people get out and do something outside rather than watch continuous sport, especially during Summer.

  5. I can’t wait to leave my TV on another channel.

    When will this end? Should I expect Le Tour d’Alpe d’Huez and the Bathurst 100 to be announced soon? How about the Sydney to Cronulla Yacht Race?

  6. Surely this is another meaningless tournament that further cheapens the sport. I don’t see Roger, Rafael or viewers busting a gut for this Mickey Mouse game.

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