Swiss world number two Roger Federer was too good for Lleyton Hewitt on Monday night as the pair battled it out in a fast-paced, historic tennis match in Sydney.

Federer and Hewitt played under the new Tennis Australia FAST4 format to a packed house at Qantas Credit Union Arena.

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In an era of smartphones and short attention spans it was an enjoyable, quick fix.

The format – in which sets finish at four games, there are no deuces and lets are allowed on serves – even caught the veterans out, both players propping on several occasions when the latter rule came into play.

Afterwards, Federer said he was “excited” to be part of something new.

“I thought it was very interesting, fast-paced and the ball keeps on moving. There’s never a quiet moment to concentrate,” he said.

Swiss tennis superstar Roger Federer and Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt warm up at Sydney Harbour.

“With the lets, I had to remind myself before each serve.

“I thought it was very exciting and see a future for it in the junior game at least, it’s already happening.”

Hewitt agreed that that the fast-paced game pushed the players to take a different approach.

“With the tight format out there, and with no ad (advantage) you have to try and make the first severe,” Hewitt said.

FAST4 is being billed as tennis’ version of Twenty20 cricket.

The fundamentals of the game remain the same, except four new rules to ensure the matches are fast, competitive and exciting.

Arriving in Sydney following his historic 1000th career match win at the Brisbane International, Federer was warmly greeted by the crowd, as music played in the arena.

Ironically, Federer and Hewitt last faced each other in the final of the Brisbane International 12 months ago.

Federer had a quick warm-up with Hewitt, including a playful hit with Hewitt’s son Cruz, before the start of the match.

The Swiss master came out strong with his serve and forehand in the first set to lead 2-1 by the seven-minute mark.

At 3-2 and 30-30, Hewitt let out his catchcry “come on” which excited the crowd.

By the 19-minute mark Federer had wrapped up the first set 4-3.

Hewitt fought back to lead the second set 3-2, landing a nice cross-court backhand winner past the world number two. He went on to take the set 4-2.

The game remained tight at two sets apiece, coming down to the fifth.

But the Swiss master continued his unbeaten streak this summer walking away with a 4-3 2-4 3-4 4-0 4-3 win.

Tennis fans took to social media Monday night to discuss the new concept.

Worst concept ever, its not like T20 that rewards you for playing aggressively #stillneedtomakeyourshots #fast4tennis

— Jaxx Magnum (@Jaxx_Magnum) January 12, 2015

Will #fast4tennis take-off as well as the #BBL04…. How will it enhance and excite the game further? — Marc C-Scott (@marc_cscott) January 12, 2015

Packed house for #fast4tennis in Sydney tonight! @TennisAustralia #Fast4 pic.twitter.com/jjESawYVFd

— Sam Groth (@SamGrothTennis) January 12, 2015

We see a bright future for Cruz Hewitt! #fast4tennis #WWOS pic.twitter.com/ETgG7M6N3B

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) January 12, 2015

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said the new format is a “game-changer”.

“(It is) set to revolutionise the game of tennis, particularly at club and social levels,” Tiley said.

“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.”

Tennis Australia’s director of participation Craig Morris said, designed with the time-crunched player in mind, FAST4 means that anyone anywhere will have time for tennis.

“We aim to attract new people to the sport through this format,” Morris said.

The Nine Network, along with 15 international broadcast partners, is estimating to reach about 800 million homes in 200 territories.

However Fairfax has reported that the relationship between Tennis Australia and Australian Open broadcaster Channel Seven is reportedly strained because of the match.

The Seven Network isn’t pleased that Federer played Hewitt on Nine, Fairfax says.

The match clashed with the Sydney International, which Seven is broadcasting.

FAST4 home viewers were encouraged to donate to charity Tennis Cares during the match.

Where you can catch a FAST4 match

– Fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will showcase FAST4 in Melbourne At The Summer Set on Wednesday at Margaret Court Arena. Nadal will play a set each against reigning US Open Junior champion Omar Jasika and Australian Davis Cup hero Mark Philippoussis, then play best-of-five against his great friend and rival, former world number seven Fernando Verdasco. Both matches will be broadcast live in Australia on the Nine Network from 7.30pm local time.

– Tennis fans in Adelaide will get a taste of the action when past and current stars including John McEnroe, Goran Ivanisevic, Michael Chang, Marcos Baghdatis and Mikhail Youzhny play the FAST4 format at the World Tennis Challenge.

– At the Apia International Sydney on Saturday, Pat Rafter will take to the court against John McEnroe in a special FAST4 match.

– Next week at the Australian Open the legends event will feature the FAST4 format, as will the finals of the Asia Pacific Tennis League finals taking place during the second week.