Kudla lost in the second round to Nishikori (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
For the second consecutive year, JTCC alum Denis Kudla was ousted in the second round of the Wimbledon Championships. In a scant 88 minutes, Kei Nishikori, the No. 10 seed, downed the American in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.
A point in the second set with Nishikori leading 5-2 was a microcosm of the match. Kudla buried a shot to Nishikori’s forehand side. All the world No. 12 could muster was a towering lob. Nishikori gave up on the play and with his head down, walked towards the back of the court to grab his towel. Kudla, staring right into the sun, mistimed the overhead and shanked the ball into the net.
Match Stats
|
Kei Nishikori |
Denis Kudla |
|
|
8 |
Aces |
4 |
|
3 |
Double Faults |
4 |
|
67% |
1st Serves In |
58% |
|
70% (14 of 20) |
Net Points Won |
53% (9 of 17) |
|
47% (7 of 15) |
Break Points Won |
50% (1 of 2) |
|
43 |
Winners |
15 |
|
16 |
Unforced Errors |
22 |
Stat Analysis
- Nishikori has too many weapons, as evidenced by the Grand Canyon sized discrepancy in winners. He moved Kudla all over the court at will and followed up his approach shots with deadly put away volleys.
- The serve for the No. 10 seed was exceptional. His first serve percentage was 5% higher than his career average. But it was his second serve points won that was a difference-maker. He garnered 75% of the points when he put a second serve in play (an astounding 24% higher than his career norm).
- The 50% break points won for Kudla is deceiving. The American had two break chances. It is again a testament to Nishikori’s serve precision.
- While Nishikori’s serve propelled him, he also feasted on Kudla’s. As compared to his career numbers, Kudla was nine percentage points lower in first serve points won and 12% lower on second serve points won.
