James Duckworth wins Australian Open wildcard with seesawing victory over best mate Luke Saville

Injury-plagued James Duckworth has won through to the Australian Open main draw after clinching Tennis Australia’s wildcard playoff over best mate Luke Saville.

James Duckworth endured a fierce 6-3 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-2) challenge from Luke Saville.

James Duckworth’s emotional return to the Australian Open main draw has been marked by a bittersweet ­advance at the expense of best mate Luke Saville.

FORMER TOPLINER TO HEADLINE PLAYFORD TOURNAMENT

Duckworth, seeded third, endured a fierce 6-3 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-2) challenge from Saville on Sunday to clinch Tennis Australia’s wildcard playoff.

The victory at Melbourne Park assures injury-plagued Duckworth a main-draw berth and a guaranteed singles prizemoney cheque of at least $50,000.

As elated as he was after the rain-interrupted match, the New South Welshman’s thoughts were with ­Saville, who has also had plenty of ­injury setbacks.

“It’s great to see you back playing some really good ­tennis,” Duckworth told the South Australian.

“Hopefully you can use this as a bit of springboard for the summer and the rest of the year and get your ranking back up to where it should be. It was a pleasure to share the court, like you said, best mates, and I love hanging out with you and travelling with you.”

In a match of momentum swings, Saville shaped to post one of his most crucial wins as he bids to reinvigorate his ­career.

James Duckworth celebrates winning his match against Luke Saville to make the main draw of the Australian Open.

After levelling the match, he held two points for a 5-1 lead in the third set when Duckworth slumped to 15-40.

From there former world No. 82 Duckworth forged a spirited comeback as Saville unravelled with a rash of ­double faults.

In the fourth set the arm wrestle continued either side of a lengthy rain delay.

James Duckworth celebrates winning a point in his match.

James Duckworth plays a forehand against Luke Saville.

­Saville saved three match points as Duckworth twice ­failed to serve out the match.

Desperate to avoid a fifth set, Duckworth closed out the contest with a forehand winner to deny junior Wimbledon champion Saville.

“I played four good matches this week over five sets — tough, tough conditions,” ­Saville said.

“I’m starting to play some good tennis, so hopefully sign of good things to come.”

As runner-up, Saville will be considered for a qualifying wildcard as the world No. 473 bids to lift his ranking ­back ­inside the top 150.

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Originally published as James Duckworth wins Australian Open wildcard with seesawing victory over best mate Luke Saville