Perth WA, Australia, 28 December 2016 | hopmancup.com

Mastercard Hopman Cup will introduce the innovative FAST4 Tennis format for the first time in 2017, with the mixed doubles matches set to showcase the fast-paced scoring method in each session.

FAST4 Tennis was launched globally by 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt in January 2015, with both enjoying the competitive format.

“Every point is more important,” Federer said following the match. “It’s hard to get back from a break … that keeps it close and exciting.”

The innovative format is based on four rules designed to change the pace of a match, keeping it highly competitive for players and creating even more excitement for fans.

Mixed doubles matches at the Hopman Cup will be the best of three FAST4 Tennis sets and will feature:

• Playing service lets
• No ad scoring
• Tiebreaker at three games all (first to five points)

The first player to reach four games wins the set.

Tournament Director Paul Kilderry is looking forward to introducing FAST4 Tennis at the Mastercard Hopman Cup in 2017.

“FAST4 Tennis really brings a new element to the sport and will be a lot of fun for both the players and the fans,” Kilderry said.

“It’s the perfect format for mixed doubles, and as the players will all have competed in traditional singles matches, this is a great way of adding an extra layer of excitement to the mixed.

“Tennis fans around Australia have praised the format and we hope Perth will embrace it too.”

At a local level, the fast format has been embraced by the Western Australian tennis community with more than a third of league players around the state using the format in 2016.

Men’s and women’s singles matches remain the same and will be the best of three tiebreak sets.