Roger Federer will help launch an Australian-developed fast format of tennis when he plays an exhibition match against Lleyton Hewitt in Sydney in January.
The format features four rule variations from the traditional game, with no advantage scoring, no lets, a tiebreaker at three games-all, and the winner of a set being the first to reach four games.
"The new format is a game changer and is set to revolutionise the game of tennis, particularly at club and social levels," Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said.
"Time today is precious and this new fast format is perfect for any player who wants to fit their tennis matches into a busy lifestyle."
The exhibition, which will help launch the format around clubs in Australia, will follow Federer's warmup for the Australian Open at the Brisbane International earlier in January.
"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 in a statement on Tennis Australia's website (tennis.com.au) about the Jan. 12 exhibition.
"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."
Great friends off the court, Federer and Hewitt have one of the most enduring rivalries in tennis. The pair, both aged 33, have faced each other 27 times since 1999, with Federer winning 18 of them.
Their last four matches have been split, with Hewitt winning their most recent encounter at the Brisbane International final in January.
"Playing Roger in this new format will be an exciting challenge for both of us and a lot of fun," said Hewitt.
"It's a fantastic innovation for tennis, and one that I hope will take off."
Another new format makes its debut this week in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), a team event with one-set matches, a shot-clock and a timed shoot-out at 5-5.
Federer, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are among the big names playing the made-for-TV competition, which starts in Manila and will also visit Singapore, New Delhi and Dubai.
telegraph.co.uk
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