Kendrick first up for Murray

Jun 19 2009

Andy Murray's Wimbledon challenge will begin against American Robert Kendrick.

In Friday morning's draw at the All England Club, the British number one was placed in the top half along with defending champion Rafael Nadal, who could yet withdraw because of knee problems.

Murray, the third seed, has won all three previous meetings with serve-volleyer Kendrick, who led Nadal by two sets to love in the second round at Wimbledon in 2006 before losing in five.

Kendrick, 29, is currently ranked 76th in the world.

World number two and second seed Roger Federer has been drawn against Lu Yen-Hsun in the first round, while unseeded Briton Laura Robson will play Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova in the first round of the women's singles.