Fast format tennis debuts in Sydney with Federer and Hewitt

A sporting revolution will take place in Sydney tonight, with Fast4 tennis to make its debut at the Qantas Credit Union arena in Darling Harbour.

Champion rivals Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt will star in this unique event.

They arrived like rock stars in the Harbour city this afternoon, with a hit across the water between two speedboats.

LIVE COVERAGE: Fast4 tennis on Nine from 7.30pm

Straight off the back of winning the Brisbane international, and marking his 1000th career match win, Federer said he looked forward to the new format.

"(It's a) different concept, we've seen it happen in cricket and in other places and I think definitely there's a place for this as well," Federer said.

"That's why I took part in it, plus it was in Sydney, plus it was with Lleyton. 

"It was interesting for me and I'm really looking forward to promoting the game by doing this as well."

Hewitt said he felt excited about the match.

"It's obviously a great opportunities for Australian tennis fans to get out here and see one of the greatest players ever in Roger Federer," he said.

"(It's a) great opportunity myself, just a week before the Australian Open to have a crack at one of the best players and he's in really good form."