James Duckworth has been beaten by Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in the first round at Eastbourne.

Australian James Duckworth has lost a tight first-round tussle with Italy's Lorenzo Sonego at the ATP grasscourt tournament in Eastbourne in the lead up to Wimbledon starting next week.

Sonego rallied to beat world No.77 Duckworth 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-1) on Tuesday, setting up a second-round clash with Australia's Alex de Minaur.

John Millman is the other Australian remaining in the Eastbourne draw, facing a second-round match against Alexander Bublik.