SYDNEY: Rafael Nadal will team up with Japan’s Kei Nishikori in a Fast4 exhibition in Sydney in January against the Australian duo of Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, tournament organisers said Wednesday.
The short format, now in its third year, features sets won by the first player to four games, no deuces and play continuing after lets on serve.
The event, on 9 January, is billed as the Twenty20 of tennis, a reference to the fast and furious form of cricket which has proved a huge hit.
The 14-time Grand Slam champion played the exhibition this year alongside Gael Monfils, with Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt representing Australia.
“I have played the format twice now and I think it’s very exciting for both players and fans,” the Spaniard said.
“It’s very easy for the crowd to get involved in the match and it was a great atmosphere earlier this year.”
Meanwhile, women’s world number one Angelique Kerber announced she will play the Sydney International for the fifth year in a row from 8-14 January in her build-up the Australian Open.
