{"id":9758,"date":"2015-01-12T10:52:33","date_gmt":"2015-01-12T02:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tennis.com.au\/wa\/?p=9758"},"modified":"2015-01-12T10:52:33","modified_gmt":"2015-01-12T02:52:33","slug":"fast4-global-launch-tonight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tennis.com.au\/wa\/news\/2015\/01\/12\/fast4-global-launch-tonight","title":{"rendered":"FAST4 Global Launch – TONIGHT!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Today Tennis Australia partners with tennis greats Roger Federer<\/strong> and Lleyton Hewitt<\/strong> to globally launch FAST4 tennis.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0team is proud to have developed FAST4, and believe it will be a big attraction to people to get into our sport.
\nDesigned with the time-crunched player in mind, the FAST4 format means that anyone, anywhere will have time for tennis. The fundamentals of the sport remain the same, but four innovative new rules ensure matches are fast-moving, competitive, always exciting and can be completed in a shorter period of time.<\/p>\n

Tune into Channel Nine tonight to see FAST4 in action, when 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, goes head to head with Lleyton Hewitt at a special event in Sydney. You will see the new \u201cPower Point\u201d (deciding point when a game reaches deuce) in action and the extra bit of pressure and excitement that brings.<\/p>\n

On Wednesday night another champion of the game, Rafa Nada<\/strong>l, will really mix it up at Margaret Court Arena, playing FAST4 against three different opponents. He\u2019ll warm up with a set each against reigning US Open Junior champion Omar Jasika<\/strong>, Aussie Davis Cup hero Mark Philippoussis,<\/strong> and then go best-of-five against his great friend and rival, former world No.7 Fernando Verdasco.<\/strong> Again it will be televised by Channel Nine.<\/p>\n

Fast4 will then be played at the WTC seniors event in Adelaide, Pat Rafter and John McEnroe will showcase it at the Sydney Apia International, along with their seniors event and finally at the Australian Open Big Mac Legends event at the Australian Open.<\/p>\n

It has been part of the ATL for the last three years and local competition pilots will be run around the country in the lead up to the national rollout in October.<\/p>\n

So watch Roger and Lleyton premiere FAST4 tonight at an event not only special for Sydney and Australia, but for the sport of tennis around the world.<\/p>\n

You can follow the action live on social @tennisaustralia via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and find out more at www.fast4.com<\/a><\/p>\n

About FAST4<\/strong>
\nWhat is FAST4?<\/em><\/strong>
\nFAST4 is tennis for those who don\u2019t have time to play tennis.<\/p>\n

Why FAST4?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a fast and fun format to attract new and current players who want tennis to fit into their busy lifestyle. FAST4 does not replace traditional tennis, it is designed to complement it.<\/p>\n

FAST4 development <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The FAST4 format has been developed and successfully piloted in Australia for three years at all levels, from Hot Shots to the Asia-Pacific Tennis League. Champions such as Pat Rafter, Nick Kyrgios, Sam Groth and Casey Dellacqua have all enjoyed playing this format.
\nFAST4 rules <\/strong>
\n<\/strong>FAST4 features just four rule variations, resulting in more continuous play and quicker game and match time:<\/p>\n