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James Duckworth ATP Final
ATP Tennis Players, Tennis News

‘I am really excited,’ James Duckworth reaches first ever ATP final


Australia’s James Duckworth has reached a major milestone at the Astana Open after booking his place in his first ATP Tour final.

The world number 65 defeated the in-form Ilya Ivashka in straight sets 6-3 7-6(4) to reach the final in Nur-Sultan.

Duckworth, 29, is yet to drop a set at the ATP 250 event and will face either home favourite Alexander Bublik or 23-year-old Soonwoo Kwon in the final.

“I am really excited,” said Duckworth. “I am thrilled. It was a really tough match. Ilya has been playing some great tennis this year. We have played twice already this year, both times went to three sets.

“I knew it was going to be really difficult but I managed to win that second set in a tie-break. it was a very close set that could have gone either way. I think I played the big points well.”

The Australian is currently enjoying a nine match win streak after winning a Challenger event in Turkey last week, though expects a very tough contest in Sunday’s final.

”It will be a tough match whoever I play, both very different styles,” Duckworth added.

“Bublik plays big and serves big and Kwon is more of a baseliner. I will have to be ready for both guys, I am just going to recover the best I can and come out tomorrow and see what happens.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.