![](https://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Novak+Djokovic+Ana+Ivanovic+Hopman+Cup+Day+tTkGxvJ2o7tl.jpg)
The Perth Arena, venue of the Hopman Cup (zimbio.com)
It has been announced that next month’s Hopman cup will feature Fast4 tennis for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Introduced by Tennis Australia in 2014, Fast4 tennis is a quicker pace format than traditional tennis with only four games per set with no ad scoring and let calls being played. The tiebreakers are also shorter with the first to five points winning. Described as tennis’ version of Twenty20 cricket, the format will be played in all mixed doubles matches in the upcoming Hopman Cup.
Paul Kilderry, who is the tournament director of the Perth event, has praised the decision to introduce the new format. In a statement posted on the Hopman Cup website, Kilderry believes the new addition will make the tournament more exciting for both players and fans.
“FAST4 Tennis really brings a new element to the sport and will be a lot of fun for both the players and the fans,” said Kilderry.
“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.”
In recent years, various high-profile players have participated in exhibition events featuring the format. In 2015 Roger Federer defeated Lleyton Hewitt 4-3 (5-3), 2-4, 3-4 (3-5), 4-0, 4-2, in what was the global launch of the concept. Since then, Rafael Nadal, Gael Monfils and Nick Kyrgios have all taken part in similar matches.
With shorter match time, supporters have argued that Fast4 will attract more viewers and interest in the sport. On the other hand, 17-time grand slam champion Federer has previously argued that it is the unpredictability which makes Tennis unique.
“The beauty of our game sometimes is not knowing if you’re going to be on court for 45 minutes or three hours,” Federer said in January 2015.
“I know sometimes that’s hard for TV because in soccer and other sports you know exactly how long you are going to be playing. You beat the clock and you’re fine, but in tennis you have to run over the finish line by hitting a winner.”
Federer will start his 2017 season at the Hopman Cup next month.
Fans criticise the move
The bold decision by the Hopman Cup has resulted in an array of negative feedback on their Twitter account. One fan accused the tournament of ‘ruining the mixed doubles’ and another has labelled it ‘a big mistake’.
The 29th Hopman Cup will start in January 1st with eight mixed teams taking part. Federer, Kyrgios, Belinda Bencic and Daria Gavrilova are all expected to participate.