James battles back from the brink

James battles back from the brink

PUNE: At the start of the ATP Challenger 80 event in Pune a week ago, among the names that stood out as real contenders for the title, was Australia’s James Duckworth, seeded second for the week, and a former top 100 player in the world.

Duckworth lived up to expectations around him and won the title in Pune, his fourth Challenger title this year in six finals. It ensured his entry back into the top 100 in the ATP rankings to end the year, which gives him direct entry into the Australian Open, his home Slam.

But what makes this win and such a strong season even more special for the Aussie is successfully overcoming the career-threatening injuries he has had over the last 2-3 years, including undergoing five surgeries.

“At the start, this match was for the top 100, for the Australian Open. I was in the top 100 in 2015, then actually part of the time when I was injured in 2017, and didn’t have many points to defend when I was injured. But going through five surgeries in a space of just over 12 months and going through all the rehab and phsyio, or just trying to just be able to play to now being back in the top 100, it means everything to me and I’m just so happy,” said the new World No 100 with a beaming smile. He went on to say that there were times when he thought me might not play again and was down mentally, but credited his family who were a great support in that time.

Duckworth said that while he was suffering from those injuries, that led to recurring foot, shoulder and elbow surgeries from the start of 2017 to mid-2018, he never thought of giving up on the sport he loves so much. Despite the woes, he played the Australian Open in 2017 and 2018, making early exits.

‘GEEZ, FEDERER’S GOOD!’
While those weren’t very memorable Grand Slam appearances for him, there’s one back in 2014 at the same event, when he played 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, which he still remembers vividly.

“I played him twice. Geez, he’s a good player. I can’t read his serve, got no idea where he’s serving. That was his biggest strength. He’s just a complete player as everyone knows. He can do everything. I’ve even practiced with him a couple of times, he’s a really nice guy. I’ve got a lot of respect for Rog and hopefully he doesn’t retire soon,” Duckworth said.

Duckworth stressed that not being in the top 100 or around can make things difficult financially as direct entry into the big money events including the Grand Slams does not come easily otherwise, and its a challenge covering expenses comfortably just playing the other events all year round. 

He hopes the resurgence to the top of his game will help attract sponsors again like he had a few years ago when he was top 100 for a while, and is also on the lookout for a full-time coach.

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