James Duckworth loves the Demon.
But the popular Australian, who is in the midst of a late-career resurgence, will do all he can to spoil Alex de Minaur’s Wimbledon hopes when they meet on Tuesday and warned he could be dangerous, particularly on grass.
The 32-year-old has known the world No.9 for a decade and is proud of the manner with which the dual-grand slam quarter-finalist has developed from a skinny teenager with a great attitude into a serious threat in any event he plays.
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However, having had 10 operations during an injury-addled career, the Brisbane-based veteran wants to make the most of his time left in tennis after recently breaking back into the top 100.
“I love Demon,” Duckworth said. “I just love the way he goes about it.
“He’s a super humble guy. He just works extremely hard and is a very good tennis player.
“His game has evolved a lot, I think, over the last couple of years. He’s worked really hard and I’m super pumped for him.
“I’d say all of us Aussies really look up to him and he’s a great role model for us.
“(But) I give myself a chance. I’ve been playing pretty well.
“Grass is probably my best surface. I think I’m dangerous on this surface and, if I play well, I’m a chance.”
Duckworth, whose most recent operation was in February last year, is enjoying the longest stint of his career without having surgery and the benefits of being injury-free are showing on the court.
The former world No.46 came through qualifying to reach the quarter-finals in Stuttgart when beaten in a tight affair by 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.
He qualified again a week later in Halle when beaten in another tight affair by world No.7 Hubert Hurkacz.
Duckworth was beaten in the final round of qualifying for Wimbledon but, with his ranking now well inside the top 100, was always confident of getting a start given the probability of a late withdrawal from the main draw.
That the opportunity to play at Wimbledon for the seventh time – his best effort was an appearance in the third round in 2021 – has come against de Minaur is not ideal but he will give it a crack.
“I’m just excited to be playing,” Duckworth said. “It’s a great test to play against Alex.
“He’s top 10 in the world now and … I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m out to play my game and I want to play aggressive (and) take it to him, and I’m going to have to play well.
“That’s the reality. If I don’t play well, I’m in a fair bit of trouble. He’s top 10 in the world and he’s there for a reason.
“I don’t know if it is his favourite surface, grass or hard court, but he’s very good on both of those, so it’s going to be tough but I’ll go there and give it a good crack.”
De Minaur is feeling relaxed and confident heading into Wimbledon despite an early loss at the Queen’s Club a fortnight ago when beaten in three sets by subsequent finalist Lorenzo Musetti.
The Australian, who won a title in the Netherlands after reaching the last eight at Roland Garros, has mixed outings on the golf course – he was beaten on the 18th this week by former Wimbledon boys’ singles champion Luke Saville – with time hitting at the All England Club.
“It’s amazing,” de Minaur said. “I say it quite often but there are not too many better things than the UK summer time … when the weather’s like this.
“We’re out on the grass (and it) just boosts up the morale. These playing conditions are unbelievable.
“I got to play on the championship courts today (and) I wish that was the first round, right? Because it just felt amazing.”
The task at hand against Duckworth is interesting.
De Minaur was initially preparing to play left-hander Corentin Moutet and had arranged training partners, including Australian southpaw Alex Bolt for the task, only to change tack when the French player withdrew.
The nine-time ATP Tour title winner defeated the veteran when they played in Atlanta two years ago but he has great respect for his rival and former mentor, particularly given his nous on grass.
“(He’s) very dangerous,” de Minaur said. “He is a grass-court player who is extremely dangerous.
“He’s had very good wins on this surface and … I’m ready for battle.
“It’s exciting (and) I’m looking forward to the challenge, to the battle and hopefully we can both play a good match.”
AUSSIES IN ACTION AT WIMBLEDON
SUNDAY NIGHT
8pm Q-Alex Bolt v 8-Casper Ruud (Nor)
8pm Jordan Thompson v Pavel Kotov (Rus)
10pm: Daria Saville v Peyton Stearns (US)
Midnight: Aleksandar Vukic v Sebastian Ofner (Aut)
1am: Max Purcell v Q-Otto Virtanen (Fin)
Times subject to change
MONDAY
WC-Ajla Tomljanovic v 13-Jelena Ostapenko (Lat)
Q-Olivia Gadecki v Q-Robin Montgomery (US)
9-Alex de Minaur v LL-James Duckworth
Alexei Popyrin v Thiago Monteiro (Bra)
Rinky Hijikata v Flavio Cobolli (Ita)
Chris O’Connell v 13-Taylor Fritz (US)
Thanasi Kokkinakis v 17-Felix Auger-Aliassime (Can)
Adam Walton v Federico Coria (Arg)