Andy Murray will kick off his Wimbledon 2022 campaign against James Duckworth – but who exactly is the Brit’s first-round opponent?
Murray., who was unseeded in Friday’s draw, could have faced one of tennis’s highest ranked players in round one, such as Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal.
Although he avoided that fate early on, he could face John Isner in round two if he gets past Duckworth, his first assignment at SW19.
Who is James Duckworth, and what is his record?
James Duckworth is currently ranked at world number 77, and is looking to build on a solid display at Wimbledon last season.
The 30-year-old, who was born and resides in Australia, progressed to the third round – his best result at a Grand Slam singles tournament. However, his first-round victory over Radu Albot was his first win at Wimbledon in six years.
In September, he reached the final of the Astana Open in Kazakhstan, losing to Kwon Soon-woo.
He also progressed to the second round of the Australian Open and French Open, and reached the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters.
Duckworth is also an accomplished doubles player. Alongside his partner, Marc Polmans, he reached the quarter-finals of the 2020 Australian Open.
This year, the 30-year-old has qualified for three Grand Slams, including Wimbledon, but is yet to win a match.
Have James Duckworth and Andy Murray ever faced each other before?
Yes. As per the ATP Tour‘s official website, Andy Murray and James Duckworth have met on two previous occasions.
Their first head-to-head match was at the US Open in 2018. The Australian won the first set on a tiebreak, before Murray stormed back to win the following three sets and the match.
Their second match was a year later, at the 2019 Brisbane International. Murray won the best of three sets match in straight sets.
The Brit will be hoping to maintain his 100 per cent record against Duckworth when they meet at SW19.
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