Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer are to clash in a world-first exhibition match in Sydney that could revolutionise their sport.
Dubbed “One Night with Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt”, the career-long friends and rivals will face off the week before the Australian Open in a shortened best-of-five-sets match at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.
In the global launch of the fast new format initiated by Tennis Australia, the match will feature four rule variations – no advantage scoring, no service lets, tiebreakers at three games all and sets of first-to-four games.
The exhibition will take place on Monday, January 12 and, in a dream scenario for promoters, Federer and Hewitt could meet the day after clashing in the final of the Brisbane International, if they repeat their efforts there early this year.
“Playing Roger in this new format will be an exciting challenge for both of us and a lot of fun,” Hewitt said ahead of what could be his farewell summer of competitive tennis.
“It’s a fantastic innovation for tennis and one that I hope will take off.”
Federer and Hewitt have enjoyed a 20-year rivalry since first squaring off at a junior tournament in Switzerland as 15-year-olds.
The Swiss ace leads their career series 18-9 but Hewitt won the most recent instalment in Brisbane in January to kick-start his impressive two-title 2014 campaign.
“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,” Federer said.
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said the former world No.1s were the ideal players to launch the exciting new format, which, like T20 cricket compared to one-dayers, is expected to last about half as long as a traditional best-of-five-set match.
“There is no doubt that Roger Federer is one the greatest tennis players we have ever seen,” Tiley said.
“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.”
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