Federer backer Credit Suisse to support Tennis Australia initiative

Financial services company Credit Suisse has signed up as title sponsor for a new Tennis Australia event that will be staged on January 12 in Sydney to showcase the governing body’s shorter format of the sport.

The ‘One night with Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt’ event will be held at the Qantas Credit Union Arena, with the multiple grand slam champions supporting an initiative that Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said is a “game changer” for the sport.

The 33-year-olds will play over five sets that will be first to four games instead of the traditional six. Tie-breaks will be played at three games all, while there will be no let calls or advantage serving in a further attempt to speed up play.

John Knox, co-head of investment banking for Credit Suisse Australia, said: “Credit Suisse has enjoyed a powerful partnership with Roger Federer as our global ambassador since 2009 and we are looking forward to providing tennis fans with the chance to see these two sporting greats in action.”