Sydney NSW, Australia, 25 November 2014 | Tennis Australia

Swiss tennis legend and current World No.2 Roger Federer will join Australian great Lleyton Hewitt for the global launch of a new fast format of tennis in Sydney on Monday 12 January, 2015.

In a world first, 17-time Grand Slam champion Federer will play Australian No.1 Hewitt in a special exhibition match at the Qantas Credit Union Arena to showcase the new fast format of tennis; a shortened version of the game, developed by Tennis Australia.

Federer and Hewitt will face off in a best-of-five sets match in this world premiere event that will be played in support of the Australian Tennis Foundation.

Piloted at clubs across Australia, the new format is designed to offer a faster way of playing the game. There are four rule variations from traditional tennis:

• no advantage scoring
• no lets
• tiebreaker at three games all
• the first to four games wins

» Find out more about FAST4 Tennis

Federer, who last played in Sydney at the Australia v Switzerland Davis Cup tie in 2011, will go down in the record books as one of the greatest players of all time. In 2014 he reached the final at Wimbledon and won ATP Tour titles in Dubai, Halle, Cincinnati, Shanghai and Basel. He capped a stellar year by guiding Switzerland to victory against France in the Davis Cup final last weekend.

“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.”

Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said the new fast format is an exciting development for tennis and is delighted Federer is involved in the world premiere.

“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 the new fast format in this world first opportunity for Sydney.

“The new format is a game changer and is set to revolutionise the game of tennis, particularly at club and social levels. 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.

“To have Roger and Lleyton, our own great Australian champion, showcase the format for the first time is not only special for Sydney and Australia, but for the sport around the world.”

Great friends off the court, Federer and Hewitt have one of the most enduring rivalries in tennis, along with a great mutual respect. The pair, both aged 33, have faced off 27 times since 1999, with Federer winning 18 of those.

Their last four matches have been split, with the last three going to a deciding set, while Hewitt won their most recent encounter at the Brisbane International final in January.

“I’m looking forward to help launch this new fast format of tennis, especially in Sydney,” Lleyton Hewitt said today.

“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.

“Playing Roger in this new format will be an exciting challenge for both of us and a lot of fun. It’s a fantastic innovation for tennis, and one that I hope will take off.  I’m glad I can be part of this special event in Sydney, as I have enjoyed good success over the years in this beautiful city.”

One night with Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt Presented by Credit Suisse will also feature an entertaining Legends doubles match between Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, ‘the magician’ Fabrice Santoro and the hilarious pair of Henri Leconte, and Mansour 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.

Deputy Premier NSW Troy Grant said the event will attract significant international attention and add to a true blockbuster week of tennis in Sydney.

“One night with Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt is just one of the highlights of a week-long festival of tennis for Sydney in January. The Apia International Sydney will take place at Sydney Olympic Park from 11-17 January, and a legends tournament will also be played, led by Pat Rafter and John McEnroe. It promises to be a central component of a world class summer of sport in New South Wales,” he said.

John Knox, Co-Head of Investment Banking for Credit Suisse Australia said the bank is delighted to be the presenting partner for this unique event.

“Credit Suisse has enjoyed a powerful partnership with Roger Federer as our global ambassador since 2009 and we are looking forward to providing tennis fans with the chance to see these two sporting greats in action,” he said.

‘One night with Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt’ Presented by Credit Suisse, in conjunction with the NSW Government’s tourism and major event’s agency Destination NSW, will take place at the Qantas Credit Union Arena on Monday, 12 January 2015 from 6.30pm.

Tickets go on sale to the general public from 3pm tomorrow, 26 November 2014.

Tickets can be purchased online via Ticketek at www.ticketek.com.au/rf or by calling 132 849.

Want to be right alongside all the action and witness every shot being played from your own premium courtside box? For more information contact our Premium Ticketing team on +61 3 9914 4177/1300 309 166 or [email protected]