
“(My) tennis is slowly getting there. I feel like I'm getting better every week, nearly, which is positive. Still got a little bit to go, but there's been some good stuff.”
— James Duckworth, 2 Sep 2022
» Duckworth: “I’m feeling way better than I was a month ago”
On court
- Took up tennis aged seven and his whole family, including father, David, sister, Kate, and brother, Nick, all play
- His grandmother, Beryl Penrose, won the Australian Open singles and doubles in 1955
- Member of the Australia’s Junior Davis Cup team, that competed in the finals in Mexico in 2008
- In 2010, reached the Roland Garros junior semifinals and Australian Open junior quarterfinals
- Secured his maiden ITF Futures title in Poland in 2011
- Won his first ATP World Tour match at the 2012 Brisbane International, beating Frenchman Nicolas Mahut in round one
- Made his Grand Slam debut at Australian Open 2012, reaching the second round
- Came through qualifying round to reach main draw at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in back-to-back years (2013 and 2014)
- Cracked ATP top 100 on 23 March 2015
- Made first ATP-level semifinal in Pune in February 2020, helping him achieve a new career-high ranking
- Achieved a life-long dream to represent Australia in Davis Cup in March 2020
- Made a Grand Slam third round for the first time at Wimbledon 2021
- Represented Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
- Reached first ATP singles final at Nur-Sultan in September 2021
- Recorded first year-end top-50 finish in 2021, ending season at world No.49
- Goal is to reach the highest level in the sport, following in the footsteps of his hero, Andy Murray, who he says “is an extremely clever tennis player with a vast amount of talent to back it up”
- Other idols are Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter
- Favourite surface is fast clay, favourite shot is the serve and favourite tournament is the Australian Open
- Won his 13th ATP Challenger singles title in October 2023, making him the most successful Australian at this level in history
Off court
- Nickname is ‘Ducks’
- Studying a commerce degree at Deakin University
- Hobbies include surfing, table tennis, cricket, soccer and hanging with his mates
- If he weren’t a tennis player he would be a rugby league player for Newcastle Knights
- His family supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- Underwent surgeries on right foot in February 2017, August 2017 and January 2018, as well as on right elbow in February 2018, right shoulder in March 2017 and March 2020, and hip in January 2022.
Year-end singles ranking history
2023 | 116 |
2022 | 172 |
2021 | 49 |
2020 | 103 |
2019 | 100 |
2018 | 245 |
2017 | 979 |
2016 | 103 |
2015 | 120 |
2014 | 127 |
2013 | 136 |
2012 | 209 |
2011 | 274 |
2010 | 755 |
2009 | 1711 |
James Duckworth in the news
Ranking Movers: Aiava, Birrell move up after Aussie summer success

28 January, 2025
Destanee Aiava, Kimberly Birrell and Olivia Gadecki enjoyed rankings spikes in various categories after career-best Grand Slam runs at Australian Open 2025.
Read moreDestanee Aiava, Kimberly Birrell and Olivia Gadecki enjoyed rankings spikes in various categories after career-best Grand Slam runs at Australian Open 2025.
By the numbers: Recapping Aussie singles success at AO 2025
![Aussie-numbers-at-Australian-Open-2025 Aleksandar Vukic, Alex de Minaur and Destanee Aiava were among the strongest Australian performers at AO 2025. [Getty Images]](https://www.tennis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aussie-numbers-at-Australian-Open-2025-700x450.jpg)
26 January, 2025
We dive into the key insights for the best-performing Australians at Melbourne Park at this year's Australian Open.
Read moreWe dive into the key insights for the best-performing Australians at Melbourne Park at this year's Australian Open.
AO 2025 doubles wrap: Saville keeps it going

18 January, 2025
Luke Saville’s retirement has been postponed for at least another match after he and compatriot Li Tu progressed to the third round of the men's doubles at…
Read moreLuke Saville’s retirement has been postponed for at least another match after he and compatriot Li Tu progressed to the third round of the men's doubles at…
Aussie doubles wrap: Perez fires winning return in Australian Open 2025 opener

16 January, 2025
Ellen Perez is one of nine Aussies who were successful in the opening round of doubles on Thursday at Australian Open 2025.
Read moreEllen Perez is one of nine Aussies who were successful in the opening round of doubles on Thursday at Australian Open 2025.