Sore Duckworth out of ATP Cup clash

Justin Chadwick |

Hip soreness has put James Duckworth out of Australia’s ATP Cup clash with Italy.
Hip soreness has put James Duckworth out of Australia’s ATP Cup clash with Italy.

Australia’s ATP Cup hopes have suffered an early blow with world No.49 James Duckworth laid low by hip soreness.

Duckworth was due to face world No.10 Jannik Sinner in Australia’s opening tie against Italy on Sunday evening, but he has now been replaced for that match by world No.176 Max Purcell.

In the second singles rubber, Australian Alex De Minaur will take on Matteo Berrettini.

It remains unclear whether Duckworth will be ready to return for Australia’s clash with Russia on Tuesday.

Australia round out their group stage against France on Thursday.

Sinner has a 2-0 head-to-head record against Purcell, beating the Australian at the 2020 Australian Open and the 2021 US Open.

AAP