Sydney-raised James Duckworth keen to put red-hot form on show for Australia’s ATP Cup team

James Duckworth forced his way into Australia’s ATP Cup team with a late-season form surge and doesn’t intend to stop.

James Duckworth didn’t dare to dream he would be part of Australia’s 2022 ATP Cup squad this time last year.

Possibly not even a few months ago, until a brilliant run of form slashed Duckworth’s ATP ranking from No.80 in mid-September to a career-best 47.

That win blitz came too late for him to break into Australia’s Davis Cup team, although he turned down the chance to accept a last-minute call-up, knowing the ATP Cup was on the horizon.

Duckworth credited in an interview with News Corp in November his decision to return to Brisbane in March for a training block with coach Wayne Arthurs as the catalyst for his top-50 debut.

Also important was Arthurs’ encouragement for the 29-year-old, who has struggled with myriad injuries in his career, to play a more aggressive brand of tennis.

James Duckworth will be Australia’s No.2 singles player in the ATP Cup after a strong run of form to end 2021. Picture: Getty Images

Speaking on Friday, Duckworth said he was keen to maintain his significant momentum at home in Australia.

“I’ve been really happy with how I played and I’m really looking forward to getting out and playing … especially starting here in Sydney, where I grew up and trained for a number of years,” he said.

“I’ve got a bunch of family and friends coming out to watch, so I’m really looking forward to this week and the Aussie summer.”

Australia’s ATP Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt watched with interest the strides Duckworth made late in the 2021 season and wants to see him back it up.

“The biggest thing is he’s always had setbacks throughout his career so far,” Hewitt said.

Duckworth was one of the big improvers on the ATP Tour in 2021. Picture: AFP

“For him to be able to keep bouncing back and responding in the way that he has is something that we’re all extremely proud of.

“He does absolutely everything right in terms of his body and the professionalism that he brings to the table every single day on the practice court or the match court.

“So it’s great that he’s getting the success now and the body‘s holding up as well … it’s really just (about) cementing that spot in the top 50 and not putting too much pressure on himself.”

Duckworth will kick off Australia’s ATP Cup campaign against the youngest player in the top 10, Italy’s Jannik Sinner, whom he’s beaten once in three meetings.

Originally published as Sydney-raised James Duckworth keen to put red-hot form on show for Australia’s ATP Cup team