Here’s to an exciting 2025 with our cooperation partner NK-4, the innovative European Fast-4 Tennis Race by Nicolas Kiefer

In 2025 we are also very pleased about the cooperation with the NK-4 tournament series by Nicolas Kiefer and Andreas Riedinger . We think the tournament format of the European Fast-4 Tennis Race is great, which is very attractive for players of all levels as well as for the organizers. We are just as enthusiastic about the passionate commitment of the two founders, who are constantly developing the tournament series with a lot of passion. In an interview, I asked Nicolas Kiefer, a former tennis professional with six ATP Tour tournament victories and silver medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, about his reasons for starting a new tournament series. Find out why the tournament format is so much fun, especially on vacation, and what moments of happiness “Kiwi” has experienced on site at tournaments. Of course, you will also find out the most important details about the tournament series and what you as a player and as an organizer can expect from the exciting tournaments.

 Nicolas, please briefly explain the tournament format to everyone who doesn't know your NK4 tournament series

NK -4 stands for Nicolas Kiefer European Fast 4. Fast-4 tennis means that there are short sets up to 4, no-ad, no-let and a game will usually be finished in under an hour. Participating players are always guaranteed two games per tournament. Fast, always exciting, professionally organized. Our NK-4 online platform makes a particular contribution to this, offering organizers easy organization and players an interactive platform with live scoring. For each tournament, players receive points depending on the number of participants. Depending on the round reached (main and secondary round), participants receive ranking points, which are recorded in a live ranking list in real time. The tournament format is also very interesting for tournament organizers, as each organizer receives compensation for each competition held and per participant. Handling and organization is absolutely simple, so very little effort is required. But a tournament like this offers a great advertising effect and enlivens club life.

 Why did you and Andreas Riediger create this tournament series two years ago?

Andreas Riediger (Managing Director of the IT system house sitaas GmbH) and I developed the tournament series and everything that goes with it together. The new game mode refreshes the traditional game of tennis and offers an exciting alternative for both experienced tennis players and newcomers of all ages. We want to further develop tennis, modernize it and make it more attractive again for all age groups. Especially newcomers, people with a long break from tennis (maternity leave, job, family, etc.) have the opportunity to continue pursuing their favorite sport, tennis, in what may be a new environment, without being a member of a club. For the first time, our game mode combines elements of the traditional tennis game with some innovative rule changes that are intended to make the tennis match faster, more exciting and, above all, more digital. Our vision and goal is to expand the tennis community and make the sport of tennis even more attractive. Every organizer benefits from this format because they can hold tournaments without risk or fees and receive a bonus at the end based on the number of tennis players taking part.

 How has the tournament series developed since then?

We are really happy with the development: in 2023 we started with 26 tournaments, last year there were already 51 tournaments. 

 What are your plans for 2025?

The current season started on December 1st, 2024 and runs until autumn 2025. The end of the qualifying round is on October 19th, 2025. The dates and venues for the Masters tournaments have not yet been determined, but will be announced soon. The best thing to do is simply follow our social media channels. New to the Race 2025, in addition to the ranking of all tournaments played, is the extension of the qualifying round. This means all players can collect points for longer.

 Why do you think the tournament format is so interesting for holiday destinations? 

It is sometimes really difficult for hotels or clubs to find staff to organize a tournament on their own. With our NK-4 system we can offer hotels and clubs a really easy-to-use digital platform that is really easy for everyone to use. The tournaments are easy to plan, meaning they can be planned as a guest tournament after a camp or a week of vacation, for example. The tournaments don't last too long, so that the space capacity is not overused and it is simply entertaining and exciting for the participants. And it can be played anywhere - actually only two places are necessary. In addition, the additional hurdle with the "compulsory money" (€20), for example in LK tournaments, in the NK-4 tournaments no longer applies. This is a point, especially for holidaymakers, who are often hobby gamers. NK-4 is uncomplicated: no hurdles, but still an organized competition with a sporting incentive.

 You are also there in person at some of the tournaments. What were your “happy moments” there?

In 2023 and 2024 the NK-4 Masters for adults took place in the ROBINSON Sarigerme Park, where I was of course personally there. It was absolutely wonderful for me to see how a great NK-4 community has already developed. Regardless of whether you came alone or as a couple, the tennis week was very sociable and many new friendships were formed. Tennis surrounded by palm trees, a beach and under a blue sky - what could be nicer? At the Youth Masters in Bad Bentheim I was also fascinated by the great atmosphere among the kids and young people. The participants were highly motivated and the games were all very fair and at a good level. We also had a mega tennis facility and a great tournament hotel - that's what a tournament should be like!

Fair games

Good level

Great community at the Youth Masters

This is what awaits you as a player or organizer

 to the NK-4 website