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Australian tennis player James Duckworth underwent a hip surgery, per the Herald Sun. Duckworth, 30, was hampered by a hip issue at the ATP Cup and he pulled out of Australia's opening match at the tournament. Duckworth played in Australia's final two group stage matches but didn't enjoy success, having lost to Roman Safiullin and Arthur Rinderknech.
Duckworth decided to give a shot to the Australian Open and there he was beaten by Adrian Mannarino in the first round. Duckworth has been plagued by various injuries throughout his career. This was Duckworth's ninth surgery and he is hoping to return to action by the end of April.
Lleyton Hewitt didn't nominate Duckworth
Duckworth is enjoying a career-high ranking of No. 46 in the world. It was a bit surprising that he didn't get nominated for Australia's qualifying tie against Hungary. Now it is known why Duckworth wasn't nominated for the Hungary tie.
Australia Davis Cup captain Hewitt spoke extremely highly of Duckworth a month ago. "He’s always had setbacks throughout his career. So I think for him to keep bouncing back and responding in the way he has, is something we’re all extremely proud of,” Hewitt said last month.
“He does absolutely everything right in terms of his body and professionalism that he brings to the table every single day on the practice court or the match court. So it’s great he’s getting the success now and the body is holding up, as well, which is really important." Duckworth enjoyed a breakout year on the Tour last season.
Duckworth made his first ATP final in Nur-Sultan but unfortunately fell just short of winning it all as he was beaten by Sonwoo Kwon in two tight sets. It's certainly disappointing for Duckworth to start 2022 like this but hopefully he will have a fast recovery and return to action during the clay season.