Davydenko struggled with Kendrick's serves, which occasionally topped 130 mph (209 kph). But he used a strong backhand return at 11-10 in the tiebreaker that Kendrick put in the net.
Davydenko broke Kendrick at love to go up 5-3 in the second set and served out the match.
The Russian is ranked No. 8 despite missing most of the spring with a heel injury. He's using the tournament as a warmup for next week's U.S. Open.
Davydenko was the third Russian man to defeat an American on Tuesday.
Igor Kunitsyn beat Taylor Dent 6-3, 6-4, and Igor Andreev defeated Kevin Kim 6-3, 6-1.
Gonzalez makes Moscow moveDavydenko rallies to advance to 2nd round
