Duckworth vs Sonego Prediction 24 September 2026
🔊 James Duckworth is making his main-draw debut at the ATP 250 in Chengdu after two failed qualifying attempts in 2019 and 2025. In the first round he faces Lorenzo Sonego, who has ranking points to defend after reaching the last 16 at this event last year. There is added interest in the match given that the two have already met this season, with the Australian coming out on top. We'll see whether the Italian can get his revenge.
Head-to-Head
📊 In head-to-head meetings, Sonego leads 2-1, though Duckworth won their most recent match on the hard courts of Winston-Salem at the end of last month.
Head-to-head statistics Duckworth - Sonego
James Duckworth Player Overview
James Duckworth arrives at this match with six wins from his last ten, showing a consistent level of play. Not long ago he beat Lorenzo Sonego convincingly, winning without dropping a set - that was in Winston-Salem, where the Australian reached the semi-finals before withdrawing through injury. A second-round exit at the US Open followed. On average, Duckworth wins more than half the games and sets per match - 54% and 63% respectively. His hold percentage stands at 74%. In his last ten matches he has been bagelled only twice, managing to take at least a set in most of them even against higher-ranked opponents.
Match Results: James Duckworth
Lorenzo Sonego Player Overview
Lorenzo Sonego has won just four of his last ten matches, which is reflected in both his overall results and the mental resilience of the former world No. 21. Over that same stretch he has lost four matches without taking a set, pointing to difficulties competing against opponents of similar or higher calibre. Despite a solid first-serve percentage (63%) and a strong hold rate (83%), Sonego trails Duckworth in sets won - taking just 44%. He also arrives in Chengdu on a run of three consecutive defeats.
Match Results: Lorenzo Sonego
Key factors
- James Duckworth has covered the handicap (+2.5) in his last eight matches.
- In their head-to-head meeting a month ago, Duckworth beat Sonego without dropping a set.
- Duckworth has won 6 of his last 10 matches, showing consistent form.
- Sonego has lost 6 of his last 10 matches, including four straight-sets defeats.
Expected scenario
This should be a closely contested match: both players hold serve comfortably, though James Duckworth looks slightly more reliable in terms of results and games won. The two players' power-based styles are likely to produce extended sets with frequent holds of serve, which should keep the scoreline tight throughout.
⭐ Editor's Pick
James Duckworth's more consistent form is reflected both in his overall results and in a win over Lorenzo Sonego less than a month ago on the same hard court. Even in defeat, the Australian regularly covers a positive handicap against higher-ranked opponents - and Sonego can hardly be called that at the moment, sitting 19 places below Duckworth in the ATP rankings. The Italian's favourite status looks all the more surprising in that light. We suggest taking advantage of this discrepancy in the odds with Duckworth - Games Handicap +2.5.
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Betting Tips: James Duckworth - Lorenzo Sonego
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