Lleyton Hewitt To Play With Roger Federer In An Exhibition Match

Lleyton Hewitt will play with Roger Federer in an exhibition match in January. The exhibition match will be held in Sydney a week before the Australian Open. Hewitt and Federer will reportedly play in a different tennis format initiated by Tennis Australia.

According to TVNZ, the exhibition match on Jan. 12 will feature four different variations in the usual rules by which tennis is played. There will be no advantage scoring, no service lets, and tie-breakers at three games all in a best-of-seven sets format.

Tennis Australia Chief Craig Tiley said that the new format could "revolutionise" the sport. "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," Tiley said. He added that it is a special opportunity to have Federer, who is one of the greatest tennis players the world has ever seen, and Australia's pride Hewitt take part in a world-first exhibition match under the new tennis format.

Federer said he is happy to be able to come back in Sydney and play against his old friend and rival. Hewitt, on the other hand, is thrilled to play with the Swiss great. Hewitt thinks the new rules are a fantastic innovation for the game of tennis. Hewitt further said that the match will surely be full of fun.

Hewitt will also be playing in another exhibition match in his build-up to the Australian Open. The two-time Grand Slam champion will play against Tomas Berdych at Memorial Drive in Adelaide on Jan. 14, Courier Mail reports.

Hewitt said it is exciting to be back in Adelaide. The last time that he played a match in his hometown was in 2008. The World No. 50 said that he had a lot of fond memories in Adelaide. Hewitt was only 16 years old when he played his first professional tournament in Adelaide.

At 33, Hewitt said he doesn't think of retirement just yet. He said he is very much looking forward to the 2015 season. "I'm still focused on playing this Australian summer and then I definitely be playing the grass court, Davis Cup, and a few other things."

Hewitt is 20-16 last season. He won two titles, beating Federer in the 2014 Brisbane International and Ivo Karlovic in the Hall of Fame Championships in Newport.