James Duckworth has found hard courts difficult, recording 61–97 across 158 matches (38.6%). The numbers point to a surface that has not consistently suited the game — a key area of opportunity on the calendar. James Duckworth has reached 1 final without yet claiming a title on hard — one of the finest margins in tennis.

At Grand Slam level (Australian Open & US Open): James Duckworth has struggled at Grand Slam level on hard: 8–23 (25.8%) in 31 matches. The best-of-five format and elite fields make this the toughest benchmark on this surface.

ATP Masters 1000 on hard (Indian Wells, Miami, Canada, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Paris): James Duckworth is 13–14 (48.1%) across 27 Masters matches — below .500 in the Tour's deepest fields. Lifting that record here would unlock better results across the whole hard swing.

One final reached on hard, without converting it into a title. That final-round experience is valuable groundwork for going one step further next time. 3 semifinals. 10 quarterfinals.

vs. Top 10 on hard: 0–13 (0.0%, 13 matches). Top 10 opponents have represented a clear ceiling on hard; addressing that deficit is the single biggest lever for improving the overall record here.

By format on hard — best-of-five: 8–23 (25.8%); best-of-three: 53–74 (41.7%). Markedly stronger in three-set formats; the win rate drops noticeably in five-setters, which has direct implications for Grand Slam performance on hard.

Peak season: 2021 — 18–15 (54.5%) from 33 matches. That year captures the ceiling of what James Duckworth can do on hard when performing at their best and represents the standard to aim for.

Recent Form 2026: 4–10 (28.6%) on hard. Last 10: L L L L W L W L W L — mixed results, some inconsistency in the current period.