Follow us on @WorldSportCNN<\/a> and like us on Facebook<\/p>\n (CNN)<\/cite>It may sound like a Vin Diesel movie, but tennis authorities in Australia are hoping the FAST4 format, which begins Monday with an exhibition match between world No. 2 Roger Federer and the former Wimbledon and US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt debuted the format could “revolutionize” sport.<\/p>\nThat competition ended in the Swiss star’s favour, who defeated his old friend and rival 4-3 2-3 3-4 4-0 4-3 at the Qantas Credit Union Arena in Sydney.<\/p>\n
Marking some of the most important rule changes in the history of the sport, this new version of tennis consists of best-of-three sets with quick changes and sudden-death playoffs to prevent tiebreaks from dragging on. The first player after four games wins the set. <\/p>\n
“Playing against Roger in this new format will be an exciting challenge and a lot of fun for both of us,” said Hewitt before the game.<\/p>\n
“This is a fantastic innovation for tennis that I hope will catch on.”<\/p>\n
The Australian roadshow will next move to Melbourne, where Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal will take on three opponents in separate matches on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
He will first face off against former US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis before taking on current US Open junior champion Omar Jasika and finally a best-of-five match against compatriot Fernando Verdasco.<\/p>\n
New game, new rules<\/strong><\/p>\nTouted as the tennis answer to Cricket’s TV-friendly Twenty20, the two formats share more than a memorable branding approach. <\/p>\n
Both take a fast-paced approach to sports that, to the uninitiated, might be considered soporific. Cricket traditionally takes five days to play a Test international and men’s singles can take hours or, in some rare cases, days.<\/p>\n
Players also need to hurry during end substitutions as there are no sitting breaks and they have just under 90 seconds to sit between sets. <\/p>\n
A few more fundamental rule changes, including the removal of the let-serve rule – which requires a server to repeat his serve if the ball hits the net – and the removal of the advantage point.<\/p>\n
In FAST4, the receiving player can choose which side to serve – for a sudden death “power” point – on two. <\/p>\n
Faster, shinier tennis<\/strong><\/p>\nFAST4 promises to offer some of the extravagance and glamor that some, apart from the majors, are obviously missing from the sport. <\/p>\n
Proponents hope the shortened timeframe – each set said to last no more than 15 minutes, with matches typically lasting not much more than an hour – will allow a greater number of people to find the time to play tennis. <\/p>\n
“The new format is game-changing and set to revolutionize the game of tennis, particularly at the club and community level,” said Craig Tiley, Chief Executive Officer of Tennis Australia.<\/p>\n
“Time is precious today and this new fast format is perfect for any player looking to fit their tennis matches into a busy lifestyle.”<\/p>\n
Craig Morris, Tennis Australia High Performance Coach, added: \u201cOur long-term goal in developing a product like FAST4 Tennis is to get more people into the sport and get more people playing tennis. <\/p>\n
“There is no plan to replace traditional tennis, this is a great complementary product that will be entertaining and fun for fans.”<\/p>\n
It’s not the only innovation the sport is playing on. <\/p>\n
The International Premier Tennis League, “the world’s first urban professional league played in four countries,” debuted in November 2014. <\/p>\n
Read: 1000th win for Roger Federer<\/p>\n
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