Scot joined at the hip to Aussie rival
ANDY MURRAY’S rival today doesn’t share Grand Slam winner status – but he does a hip surgeon.
And world No.77 James Duckworth is far out in front for the number of operations after going under the knife 10 times in his injury-hit career.
The Aussie son of a surgeon reached a career high of world No.46 in January before hip work kept him out until last month.
He has yet to win an ATP Tourlevel match since his return.
Duckworth said: “Andy’s first hip surgery was done by John O’Donnell in Melbourne, who did mine just recently as well.
“I had a labral tear and had a bit of bone shaved off. I didn’t play a tournament for 16 weeks.
“I was playing pretty well at the end of last year. To have that momentum stopped was tough but I’m back now and slowly getting a bit better each week.
“It’s not 100 per cent. It will take a few more weeks to get to 100 per cent but it’s good enough to play. It’s been improving each week. I’m a work in progress. ”
During his career, 30-year-old Duckworth has seemed like a surgery in progress. He added: “I had my first elbow operation in 2012. I had another one in 2014. I had two feet in 2017, a shoulder in 2017, another foot in 2018, an elbow in 2018 and a shoulder in 2020. Then a hip just recently.
“So I can definitely empathise with Andy, not knowing if you can come back and having a few question marks about your body.
“I’ve always loved watching him play. It’s very cool to see him still going with the injury he’s had on his hip.
“He is someone I looked up to. He has been through a lot physically. Someone like that is pretty inspirational.”
Murray has twice beaten Duckworth, the last time in Brisbane in the Scot’s final win before his 2019 hip resurfacing op.
Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray said: “I haven’t discussed the hip issues. He’s had quite a few injury issues over the years.
“He’s a proper hard worker. I obviously wish him well coming back from the surgery. I’m sure we’ll have a good match.”