14 September 2016 | Tennis ACT

For the first time, multiple Canberra tennis clubs will deliver FAST4 Tennis competitions in 2016 and 2017, all kicking off in October 2016.

FAST4 Tennis is a faster tennis match, with fewer sets and varied rules, versus the traditional rules of tennis.

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.

It has been described as the tennis equivalent of the Twenty20 format of cricket and is the fun and fast way to have a hit with friends at your local tennis club.

The first major public match of Fast4 was on January 12, 2015, when Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt played in an exhibition match in Sydney, Federer winning 4–3^(5–3) 2–4, 3–4^(3–5) 4–0, 4–2.

WHAT THEY SAID:

Lleyton Hewitt: “Fast4 is a good concept for today’s world when people’s time is busier and they can’t 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.”

Rafael Nadal: “I enjoyed playing the format in Melbourne this year [2015] and think it’s very exciting for both players and fans. It’s easy for the crowd to get involved in every point which makes for a great atmosphere.”

Nick Kyrgios: “I really look forward to any sort of event like ITPL [International Tennis Premier League] or Fast 4. It’s really exciting. I speak for myself and Gael [Monfils] that we really look forward to any event like that coming up.”

Click here for all your options in Canberra this spring/summer period. To enter the leagues direct, click below on the club you wish to play at and follow the entry process.

The Pines Tennis Club – Tuesdays, 5pm-6.30pm

North Woden Tennis Club – Multiple leagues

Forrest Tennis Club – Thursdays, Time TBC

Old Parliament Hose Tennis Gardens – Multiple leagues (for other leagues please click above)

Canberra Tennis Centre – Day, Time TBC

If your club is interested in delivering FAST4 contact Tennis ACT on 02 6160 7800.

FAST4 TENNIS

SCORING SYSTEM

To win a main draw singles match in the Fast4 format, a player must win the best-of-three sets.

Sets are determined on a first-to-four-games basis, unlike the six games required in regular tennis.

Tiebreakers are also reduced in length — first to five points — with a sudden death Power Point kicking in at four points-all.

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.

If scores are level at the end of the second set, a first-to-ten-points match tie breaker will be played.

NO ADVANTAGE

The receiver elects which service side he/she prefers when the score is deuce. There are no advantage points.

This applies to both singles and doubles.

NO LETS

If the ball strikes the net cord and lands within the service lines, play continues as it would during a normal rally.

There are no lets.

In doubles, the non-receiver is permitted to return the serve if the ball strikes the net cord and falls in.

QUICK CHANGEOVERS

Players must be ready within 60 seconds of the change of ends and 90 seconds between sets.

Players cannot sit down at the change of ends but may do so — quickly — between sets.

TIE BREAKERS EXPLAINED

The Tennis World website explains short tie breakers like this:

“The player whose turn it is to serve at the commencement of the tiebreak (Player A) will serve two (2) points. The opposing player (Player B) will then serve two (2) points.

“Player A (or team mate of Player A in doubles) will then serve two (2) points. Player B (or team mate of Player B in doubles) will then serve the following two (2) points.

“If the score reaches 4-4, Player B (or the team mate of Player B in doubles) will serve the final point of the tiebreak with Player A choosing which side the ball will be served.

“Players will change ends only after the first four (4) points have been played.”

 

For more information please contact Tennis ACT Competitions Coordinator Brittany Hughes [email protected]