Davidovich Fokina vs James Duckworth

ATP Los Cabos – Round of 16
Davidovich Fokina vs James Duckworth

🧠 Form & Context

James Duckworth

• 🇦🇺 Veteran perseverance: At 33, Duckworth continues to compete across ATP and Challenger circuits, posting a 22–20 record this season.
• 🏆 Challenger momentum: Won the title in San Luis Potosí and made two other finals in 2025, keeping him match-sharp.
• 🎯 Hard-court form: With a 10–8 record on hard this year, he arrives confident after dispatching Mannarino 6–3, 6–4 in R1.
• ⚖️ Recent H2H loss: Faced Davidovich just three weeks ago in Eastbourne, taking the first set before fading in three.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

• 🔥 Peak consistency: With a 28–16 win-loss mark, 2025 has been his steadiest year, highlighted by runs to finals in Acapulco and Delray Beach.
• 🎾 Surface versatility: He’s proven reliable across all conditions—his 13–7 hard-court record includes a SF in Acapulco and R3 at Wimbledon.
• 🔄 Recent rhythm: Has steadily built confidence, including a win over Duckworth in Eastbourne just weeks ago.
• 📈 Ranking push: Back at World No. 26, the Spaniard is eyeing the top 20 again and Los Cabos offers a ripe opportunity.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Duckworth remains dangerous on quicker surfaces, especially when landing a high first-serve percentage and dictating points early. But once rallies lengthen, his court coverage and second-serve exposure become clear weaknesses.

Davidovich Fokina, on the other hand, thrives in dynamic exchanges. He mixes pace, uses sharp angles, and isn’t afraid to disrupt rhythm with drop shots and net approaches. In their Eastbourne clash, his adjustments paid off after a slow start, targeting Duckworth’s backhand and movement repeatedly.

The Spaniard should look to replicate that playbook—neutralizing Duckworth’s early aggression and extending points. If Davidovich stays disciplined tactically, he holds the edge in stamina, depth, and variation.

🔮 Prediction

Duckworth may take advantage of a slow start from Davidovich and force a competitive first set. But unless the Aussie redlines from start to finish, the Spaniard's deeper toolbox and confidence on hard courts should tilt the balance.

Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2 sets – likely around 7–5, 6–3, with the first set featuring some early resistance before the Spaniard pulls clear.