By Tucker Verdi
When one scribbled “love u mom” on the camera lens, the other made an important addition: “and dad.”
That’s the dynamic that has propelled the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike, to unparalleled success in men’s doubles tennis. They work so effortlessly in conjunction with one another, which might by why they’ve tallied 114 ATP doubles titles together, including 16 Grand Slams, 36 Masters 1000’s, and 4 Year-End Championships. All of those figures are records for a men’s doubles pairing.
The greatest to ever do it added another piece of hardware to their trophy case on Saturday afternoon when they captured the 2018 Miami Open Men’s Doubles title 4-6, 7-6(5), and 10-4 in the deciding tiebreak.
It was their first Miami Open win since 2015, when they took home their fourth title.
The final was a matchup of veterans in the Bryans versus the younger generation in Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev. The Bryan brothers are 39 while Khachanov is 21 and Rublev is only 20.
In the end, it was experienced grit that triumphed over youthful energy. The Bryans weathered a lost first set to claim the second set and the match in tiebreaks, which they also did in the quarterfinals.
Bob and Mike celebrated this win as they do every win: with a leaping chest bump. Who knows how many chest bumps they have in the future, but the Bryans are savoring each one they get.
As the greatest players of a generation – perhaps of all time – like Roger and Serena continue to find unique success so deep into their careers, the Bryan brothers are reminding the tennis world they won’t allow their own dominance to be overshadowed.
At the podium accepting their 5th Miami Open championship trophy, the Bryans teased an appearance in 2019, saying they’ll “possibly” be here next year.
“The next 10 years,” Rublev quipped from behind them.
Tennis fans could only be so lucky.
About the Miami Open presented by Itaú
The 2018 Miami Open will be played March 19-April 1 at the Crandon Park Tennis Center in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG. The Miami Open is one of nine ATP Masters 1000 Series events on the ATP calendar, a Premier Mandatory event on the WTA calendar, and features the top men’s and women’s tennis players in the world. The tournament is widely regarded as the most glamorous on the ATP and WTA calendars because of its exotic Miami location, thriving nightlife, five-star hotels and restaurants, beautiful weather and beaches, and its celebrity appeal. For ticket information, call +1.305.442.3367 or visit www.miamiopen.com.
About Itaú
Itau is the largest Latin America privately owned bank, with approximately 94,000 employees and operations in 19 countries throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe. Itaú’s relationship with sport goes back to the 1970s, when Itaú first sponsored the Itaú Tennis Cup in Brazil in 1970. Itaú has been a sponsor of the Miami Open for the last six years, and also sponsors the Rio Open, the only combined ATP/WTA event in South America. Itaú also supports the Brazilian Women’s Tennis Circuit, only female professional tournament in South America, certified by the Brazilian Tennis Confederation (CBT) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), as well as the Tennis Institute Training Center, responsible for the development of young, new talent.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions.
