Robert Kendrick

KendrickUSOpenQualys

Robert Kendrick is a former professional tennis player from the United States. Born on November 15, 1979, in Fresno, California, Kendrick achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 69 in July 2009. Throughout his career, he was known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. Kendrick competed in all four Grand Slam tournaments, with his best result coming at Wimbledon in 2006, where he reached the third round.

Early Life and Career

Kendrick started playing tennis at a young age and quickly emerged as a promising junior player. He attended the University of Washington and Pepperdine University, where he played college tennis and honed his skills on the court. After turning professional in 1999, Kendrick spent several years competing on the ITF Men's Circuit and the ATP Challenger Tour, gradually improving his game and climbing the world rankings.

Professional Career

Kendrick's breakthrough on the ATP Tour came in the mid-2000s when he started to qualify for more Grand Slam events and ATP Tour tournaments. His aggressive style of play, characterized by a big serve and powerful groundstrokes, allowed him to compete against some of the top players in the world. One of his most memorable matches came at Wimbledon in 2006, where he pushed the then World No. 2 Rafael Nadal to five sets in the second round before ultimately losing the match.

Throughout his career, Kendrick captured several ATP Challenger Tour titles and made it to the finals and semifinals of ATP Tour events on a few occasions. Despite struggling with injuries and consistency at times, he remained a competitive force on the tour, particularly on hard and grass courts.

Personal Life and Post-Retirement

Off the court, Kendrick is known for his dedication to the sport and his efforts to promote tennis, especially among young players in the United States. After retiring from professional tennis, he has been involved in coaching and has participated in various charity events and exhibitions.

Controversy

In 2011, Kendrick received a one-year suspension from the International Tennis Federation after testing positive for a banned substance. Kendrick claimed that the substance was contained in a medication he had taken to combat jet lag, and his case garnered some support from the tennis community and fans. The incident marked a significant setback in his career, although he returned to play in professional tournaments after serving his suspension.

Legacy

Robert Kendrick's career is remembered for his spirited performances on the court and his contribution to American tennis. While he may not have captured major titles, his work ethic and passion for the game have left a lasting impression on those who followed his career.