The Bryan brothers announced that they will be retiring from professional tennis next year, with the 2020 US open set to be their last tournament. The 41-year-old American twins are arguably the most accomplished team as much as tennis doubles category is concerned. Ever since making their debut at the 1995 US Open, the two brothers have established themselves as the most successful tennis team.
Mike and Bob have won a record of 118 titles, including all nine ATP Masters and all four Grand Slams. They have four Nitto ATP Finals titles, 39 ATP Masters 1000 crowns,16 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal under their belts. Right from 2005 up to 2017, the Bryans have been clinching the ATP Tour Fan’s Favorite Team Award year in year out. They only missed out on the award in 2018 when Bob underwent right hip surgery, hence ruling them out in action.
Bryans on retiring
The two have made it clear that they will be retiring next year. The announcement comes after the Bryans enjoyed what seemed to be an excellent season for their team. They lifted two ATP Tour crowns at the Miami Open and Delray Beach Open. A runners-up finish followed at the BB&T Atlanta Open before claiming their 1,100th team win during the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
Bryan Brothers had always hinted that they would retire together when the time comes. “I think we’d go out together. We’ve got a special bond,” Mike told Tennis Magazine back in 2016.
“We wanted to see if we wanted to keep going. We’ve decided that 2020, at the (US) Open, we’re going to shut it down, Mike told Tennis Channel Live.
Focus is on their final season
The two most spectacular and successful double players last played in the 2019 US Open. They chose not to feature in another tournament until next season. The Bryan Brothers even missed the ongoing Nitto ATP Finals despite being in a strong position to qualify for this season-ending showpiece. In the meantime, their focus is on next season, which is also set to be their final season.
“Mike and I chose to finish our 2019 season after the US Open, even knowing there was a strong chance we’d qualify for the (Nitto) ATP finals. After much discussion, we decide that it would be best to rest our minds and strengthen our bodies in preparation for 2020, which will be our final season on the ATP Tour,” said Bob Bryan.
Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan |
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