Bryan Brothers Break Record Capturing U.S. Open Doubles Crown
Bob & Mike Bryan captured the 2012 U.S. Open Men’s Doubles Title on Friday, a record-setting 12th Grand Slam doubles championship, defeating Leander Paes & Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-4 to capture their fourth title.
"We wanted to win our home slam," said Bob Bryan. "We wanted to win for the great crowd that was cheering for us. We were pumped out there!"
The Bryan Brothers entered the U.S. Open tied with Australia’s The Woodies (Todd Woodbridge & Mark Woodforde) for 11 Grand Slam doubles titles.
"We looked up to the Woodies, and to steal their record is unbelievable because we idolize those guys," said Mike Bryan. "They’re one of the reasons we play doubles. Just to be mentioned with those guys is pretty special."
With the win, the Bryans equal Robert Lutz & Stan Smith’s Open Era record with four U.S. Open team trophies, adding to successes in 2005, 2008 and 2010. They have won six titles to date in 2012, highlighted by the completion of a career Golden Slam at the London 2012 Olympics and titles at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events in Monte-Carlo and Toronto. Mike Bryan tied Woodbridge’s Open Era record of 83 doubles titles. Currently first in the Doubles Team Race to London, the Bryans will overtake the team of Max Mirnyi & Daniel Nestor for the number one ATP Doubles Ranking on Monday.
Credit photo to Kenneth B. Goldberg
Bob & Mike Bryan shake hands with Leander Paes & Radek Stepanek after their 6-3, 6-4 win in the finals of the U.S. Open Men’s Doubles Championship
