Robert Kendrick in Indian Wells

Kendrick is getting accustomed to winning this spring.  After a disappointing first round qualifying loss at the 2009 Sydney tournament, a first round loss to Soderling in the 2009 Australian Open, and failing to qualify in Memphis and San Jose, Kendrick has won 7 of his last 9 matches.  Kendrick’s two losses were well contested performances vs. eventual finalist, Korolev, in Delray Beach and Nalbandian at Indian Wells.

Robert Kendrick picked up his seventh win today defeating Arnaud Clement 6-3, 7-6(5) winning 85% of his first serve points & 54% of his second serve points.  Kendrick plays Robin Soderling again with the winner most likely to play Jo-Wilfied Tsonga in the third round.

Kendrick lost to Soderling 7-5, 4-6, 4-6, 5-7 in the first round of the 2009 Australian Open in a match that highlighted Kendrick’s less effective second serve. Given Kendrick only won 23 of his 49 second serves, Kendrick may need to consider a more aggressive approach this time around.  Perhaps allowing for the possibility of additional double faults as a result of a pointed second serve attack.

Given Kendrick has recently won 80% of his first serve points, even a significant increase in double faults would not be detrimental if he was successful in significantly increasing his second serve winning percentage.

Popularity: 10% [?]