Duckworth was up a break early in the first set but was unable to capitalise. Khachanov, the world No.25 and recent Wimbledon quarterfinalist, was too good in the end defeating him in straight sets, 7-5 6-1. 

Duckworth’s second round showing alongside John Millman and Max Purcell marks the best effort by an Australian men’s singles tennis team at the Olympics since 1996.  

“I had plenty of chances in that first set. 3-1 30 love up, cruising on serve at that point. I broke myself with some loose errors,” Duckworth said after the match.  

“I had 15-40 in the next game and couldn’t capitalise. Once again it was a bit loose at 5-all. I missed quite a few short balls which I was pretty disappointed with today against an opponent of that quality, you just can’t do that.  

“Second set, similar sort of thing. I got broken three times, was up in every game that I got broken which was disappointing. I didn’t effectively do too much for him to break me, I broke myself which was a bit tough.” 

Although today’s result didn’t go his way, the world No.77 has really enjoyed his first Olympic experience and hopes to play at the Paris Olympics in 2024.  

“Obviously the overriding thing right now is disappointment, but when I reflect on the experience it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done, it’s been unbelievable,” Duckworth continued. 

“To be in this environment, to be amongst the best athletes in the world. Hanging out with all the different athletes in the Australian building has been something I will remember forever. It has been awesome, hopefully I can be part of it in Paris. 

“Playing for your country is something that you dream of, playing the Olympics, the greatest sporting festival there is, is really a pretty cool achievement. Something I will tell my kids and grandkids about, which is yeah not something a lot of people can do.  

Wednesday will see Australia’s two women’s doubles teams contest the quarterfinals for the first time in Olympic history.  

Sixth seeds Ash Barty and Storm Sanders will play the winner of top seeded pair Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic and Spain’s Paula Badosa and Sara Sorribes Tormo.  

Sam Stosur and Ellen Perez will play the winner of another Spanish pair Garbine Muguruza and Carla Suarez Navarro and Belinda Bencic and Vikorija Golubic of Switzerland.   

The mixed doubles draw was also released today and will feature Barty and Australia’s top male doubles player John Peers. They face Nadia Podoroska and Horacio Zeballos of Argentina in their first-round match.  

Results 

Men’s singles 

R32 Karen Khachanov (ROC) d James Duckworth (AUS) 7-5 6-1 

Schedule of play – Wednesday 28 July 

Tomorrow’s schedule of play will be available here soon. 

Harriet Rendle