On this week’s edition of Short Takes, we have Australian tennis player, James Duckworth! James reached a career high singles ranking of #82 in the world and holds wins over Dominic Thiem, Gilles Simon and Robin Haase. Unfortunately, back-to-back injuries sidelined James for much of the last two years. He’s healthy now and eagerly making his comeback to the top of the game. We were lucky enough to catch up with him while he played the Atlanta Open and hope you enjoy James Duckworth’s Short Takes!

(TT) In 2015, you cracked the top 100 for the first time, which was quickly halted by injuries. Describe what it’s like trying to come back from injury and how difficult it is both mentally and physically.

(JD) “Yeah, I’ve had a few injuries over the years, especially the last two years where I’ve had five different surgeries. It’s really tough, not knowing if my body would let me get back to playing again. It’s not easy going through the surgeries and the days and months of rehab which are very boring especially at the start. It’s tough to be home when there is tournaments going on and you love playing. It’s also financially difficult when tennis is my job and how I make money, making me reach into my savings. But certainly, making top 100 has kept me motivated through it all and kept pushing me through the tough periods to try and return to where I was.”

(TT) Who was your biggest role model growing up as a young Australian tennis player?

(JD) “Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter for sure! I used to watch them on TV in all the grand slams and got to go to some Davis Cup ties. Loved the way they both competed and battled.”

(TT) You didn’t attend college in the USA, but many of your Aussie mates did. What advice would you give young players who are considering turning pro or going to college?

(JD) “I decided against going to college, but it was a tough decision. I was a top 10 junior, which probably led to me not going. However, I think college is a great option, especially if you don’t feel you are ready physically or mentally to go on tour at age 18. Even going for a year or two, to go to a good school with great coaches and get a lot of gym work done as well as play a lot of matches and develop physically. I think everyone around 18 should definitely be considering it.”

Source: Tennisworldusa.org

(TT) What goals have you set for yourself for the rest of 2018?

(JD) ” Basically all I’m trying to do is stay healthy. Hopefully if I stay healthy, my game will come back and the results will follow right along with that.”

(TT) Why do you think so many players these days are playing some of their best tennis in their 30s? It seems like less people should be able to compete at a such high level given the physicality of today’s game…

(JD) “I think the game has advanced a lot with technology. Guys are able to train smarter, putting more physical work in which is enabling them to play for more years. The physical side of tennis is being focused on so much more and guys are just super aware of what they need to do in order to sustain a longer career. You see the guys these days are travelling with fitness trainers and physios which was probably not as prominent 15-20 years ago. Prize money increases have probably allowed players to bring those resources on the road with them.”

(TT) This week we introduced the importance of nutrition to our readers, especially given the length of Grand Slam matches. Is nutrition something you take seriously? If so, what sort of match-day routine do you have?

(JD) “Back in Brisbane where I train, we have a nutritionist which all the players at the academy use.The biggest thing nutrition wise for me has been dealing with cramping, I’m a heavy sweater. So getting the right hydration plan has been something I’ve looked at in detail. Food wise, I look at the different food groups that I need to be eating days leading up to a tournament, day of a tournament as well as the time frames for which I’m consuming those foods.”

A big thanks to James for taking the time out of his busy travel schedule to talk with us. Don’t forget to check out last week’s Short Takes with Bryan Shelton. For more Short Takes check back next Wednesday or be sure to subscribe and receive weekly updates as we will be interviewing more big names in the sport of tennis!