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

We are delighted to continue our partnership with Nicolas Kiefer and Andreas Riediger 's NK-4 tournament series We think the European Fast-4 Tennis Race is fantastic, appealing to players of all levels as well as organizers. We are equally impressed by the passionate commitment of the two founders, who are constantly developing the tournament series with tremendous dedication. I interviewed Nicolas Kiefer, a former professional tennis player with six ATP Tour titles and a silver medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics, about his motivations for launching a new tournament series. Find out why the tournament format is so much fun, especially on vacation, and what memorable moments "Kiwi" has experienced at tournaments. Of course, you'll also learn all the essential details about the tournament series and what you, as a player or organizer, can expect from these exciting events.

 Nicolas, could you briefly explain the tournament format to everyone who isn't familiar with your NK4 tournament series?

NK-4 stands for Nicolas Kiefer , and a match is usually finished in under an hour. Two matches are guaranteed for participating players in each tournament. Fast, always exciting, and professionally organized. Our NK-4 online platform contributes significantly to this, offering organizers easy management and players an interactive platform with live scoring. Players receive points for each tournament, depending on the number of participants. Depending on the round reached (main and consolation rounds), participants receive ranking points, which are tracked in a real-time live ranking. The tournament format is also very attractive for organizers, as each organizer receives a fee per competition and per participant. Handling and organization are extremely simple, requiring very little effort. In return, such a tournament offers a great promotional effect and revitalizes club life.

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

Andreas Riediger (Managing Director of the IT systems house sitaas GmbH) and I jointly developed the tournament series and everything that goes with it. The new format revitalizes traditional tennis and offers an exciting alternative for both experienced players and newcomers of all ages. We want to further develop, modernize, and make tennis more attractive again for everyone. Especially those new to the sport, or those returning after a long break (maternity leave, career, family, etc.), have the opportunity to continue playing their favorite sport in a perhaps new environment, without having to join a club. Our format combines elements of traditional tennis with some innovative rule changes for the first time, designed to make tennis matches faster, more exciting, and above all, more digital. Our vision and goal is to expand the tennis community and make the sport even more appealing. Every organizer benefits from this format, as they can run tournaments without risk or fees and receive a bonus afterward, based on the number of participants.

 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 1, 2024, and runs until autumn 2025. The qualification round ends on October 19, 2025. Dates and locations for the Masters tournaments are not yet finalized but will be announced soon. The best way to stay informed is to follow us on our social media channels. New to Race 2025 is the extension of the qualification round, in addition to the ranking of all played tournaments. This allows all players to accumulate points for a longer period.

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

For hotels and clubs, finding staff to organize a tournament on their own can be a real challenge. Our NK-4 system offers hotels and clubs a truly user-friendly digital platform that anyone can operate. Tournaments are easy to plan, meaning they can be scheduled as guest tournaments following a camp or a week-long holiday. Since the tournaments aren't too long, court capacity isn't strained, and the experience remains entertaining and exciting for participants. And it can be played anywhere – only two courts are needed. Furthermore, the additional hurdle of a "mandatory entry fee" (€20) is eliminated in NK-4 tournaments, for example, in ranking tournaments. This is a significant advantage, especially for holidaymakers, who are often recreational players. NK-4 is straightforward: no hurdles, yet still an organized competition with a sporting incentive.

 You're also personally present at some tournaments. What were your "happy moments" there?

In 2023 and 2024, the NK-4 Masters for adults was held at ROBINSON Sarigerme Park, and I was there in person, of course. It was absolutely wonderful to see how a fantastic NK-4 community has already developed. Whether you traveled 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 better? At the Junior Masters in Bad Bentheim, I was equally impressed by the fantastic atmosphere among the kids and teenagers. The participants were highly motivated, and all the matches were very fair and played at a high level. We also had a superb tennis facility and a great tournament hotel – that's what a tournament should be like!

Fair play

Good level

Great community at the Youth Masters

This is what you can expect as a player or organizer

 to the NK-4 website