For the first time, multiple Canberra tennis clubs will deliver FAST4 Tennis competitions in 2016\u00a0and 2017, all kicking off\u00a0in October 2016.<\/p>\n
FAST4 Tennis is\u00a0a faster tennis match, with fewer sets\u00a0and varied rules,\u00a0versus\u00a0the traditional rules of tennis.<\/p>\n
The shortened format offers a “fast” alternative to tennis, with four points, four games and four rules: there are no advantage scores, lets are played, tie-breakers apply at three games all and the first to four games wins the set.<\/p>\n
It has been described as the tennis equivalent of the Twenty20\u00a0format of cricket\u00a0and is the fun and fast way to have a hit with friends at your local tennis club.<\/p>\n
The first major public match of Fast4 was on January 12, 2015, when Roger Federer<\/strong>\u00a0and Lleyton Hewitt<\/strong>\u00a0played in an exhibition match\u00a0in Sydney, Federer winning 4\u20133(5\u20133)<\/sup> 2\u20134, 3\u20134(3\u20135)<\/sup> 4\u20130, 4\u20132.<\/p>\n WHAT THEY SAID:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Lleyton Hewitt<\/strong>:<\/b> \u201cFast4 is a good concept for today\u2019s world when people\u2019s time is busier and they can\u2019t give the amount of time required for the longer traditional format. It is a great format to encourage more people to play, and hopefully entice those who used to play to reconnect to the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n Rafael Nadal<\/strong>:<\/b> \u201cI enjoyed playing the format in Melbourne this year [2015] and think it\u2019s very exciting for both players and fans. It\u2019s easy for the crowd to get involved in every point which makes for a great atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n Nick Kyrgios<\/strong>:<\/b> \u201cI really look forward to any sort of event like ITPL [International Tennis Premier League] or Fast 4. It\u2019s really exciting. I speak for myself and Gael [Monfils] that we really look forward to any event like that coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n Click\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0for all your options in Canberra this spring\/summer period.\u00a0To enter the leagues direct, click below on the club you wish to play at and follow the entry process.<\/p>\n The Pines Tennis Club<\/a> \u2013 Tuesdays, 5pm-6.30pm<\/p>\n North Woden Tennis Club<\/a> \u2013 Multiple leagues<\/p>\n Forrest Tennis Club \u2013 Thursdays, Time TBC<\/p>\n Old Parliament Hose Tennis Gardens<\/a> \u2013 Multiple leagues (for other leagues please\u00a0click above)<\/p>\n Canberra Tennis Centre – Day, Time TBC<\/p>\n If your club is interested in delivering FAST4 contact Tennis ACT on 02 6160 7800.<\/strong><\/p>\n SCORING SYSTEM<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n To win a main draw singles match in the Fast4 format, a player must win the best-of-three sets.<\/p>\n Sets are determined on a first-to-four-games basis, unlike the six games required in regular tennis.<\/p>\n Tiebreakers are also reduced in length \u2014 first to five points \u2014 with a sudden death Power Point kicking in at four points-all.<\/p>\n Doubles or consolation singles match are played on a best-of-two sets basis. Sets are first to four games and tie break rules are as per main draw singles.<\/p>\n If scores are level at the end of the second set, a first-to-ten-points match tie breaker will be played.<\/p>\n NO ADVANTAGE<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The receiver elects which service side he\/she prefers when the score is deuce. There are no advantage points.<\/p>\n This applies to both singles and doubles.<\/p>\n NO LETS<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n If the ball strikes the net cord and lands within the service lines, play continues as it would during a normal rally.<\/p>\n There are no lets.<\/p>\n In doubles, the non-receiver is permitted to return the serve if the ball strikes the net cord and falls in.<\/p>\n QUICK CHANGEOVERS<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Players must be ready within 60 seconds of the change of ends and 90 seconds between sets.<\/p>\n Players cannot sit down at the change of ends but may do so \u2014 quickly \u2014 between sets.<\/p>\nFAST4 TENNIS<\/h3>\n