James Duckworth is set to announce himself at the ATP Cup, having completely changed his game for the good.
Duckworth has had a massive climb in the world rankings, jumping from 105 to 49. He was on an absolute tear in 2021, and finished the year as Australia’s second-highest ranked player.
Some of the names he has beaten to get where he is are respectable indeed. Alexei Popyrin, John Millman, Jordan Thompson and Nick Kyrgios have all been beaten by him to earn a spot in Lleyton Hewitt’s team. With the ATP Cup fast approaching, the 29-year-old will be entering full of confidence.
Duckworth is set to announce himself at the ATP Cup, having skyrocketed in ranking and form this past year.
“No, I didn’t think I’d be here (a year ago) but I’ve had a pretty good year,” he reacted to his ATP Cup berth, as quoted by the West Australian.
“I went home in the middle of the year after Miami, had a big training block with coach Wayne Arthurs, got really clear on my game style and it took a couple of months to gain some confidence, playing aggressively and the results continued to improve.”
No Ducks given
Duckworth was rampant at Challenger level, storming through the opposition and carrying that rich vein of form to the top. He reached the ATP final and ended up losing a close Paris Masters quarter-final to world No.9 Hubert Hurkacz.
ATP Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt spoke highly of Duckworth, saying, “He’s always had setbacks throughout his career, to keep bouncing back and responding, is something we’re all extremely proud of.
“He does absolutely everything right and it’s great he’s getting the success now.
“Now it’s just about cementing that spot in the top 50.”
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