The Bryan Brothers and Stosur Honored With U.S. Open Sportsmanship Awards

The USTA has announced that Bob & Mike Bryan, along with Samantha Stosur, have been named recipients of the first-ever “U.S. Open Sportsmanship Awards” presented to the male and female professional tennis players who best demonstrated excellence in sportsmanship throughout the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series and the U.S. Open. The awards were presented to both the Bryans and Stusur at the U.S. Open by USTA Chairman of the Board and President Jon Vegosen and Sportsmanship Selection Committee Chairman Todd Martin.

“Bob and Mike are both great champions and gracious competitors, making them the perfect choice to receive the US Open Sportsmanship Award,” said Vegosen. “Through all of their accomplishments on the court, Bob and Mike have exuded the class and integrity that exemplify what makes tennis such a great sport. Their success continues to set a perfect example for future generations.”

Bob & Mike Bryan won the 2012 U.S. Open Men’s Doubles Title to break the Open Era record for the most Grand Slam team titles with their 12th major trophy. The Bryans passed Todd Woodbridge & Mark Woodforde in the Open Era and tied John Newcombe and Tony Roche for the all-time record. The Bryans also won the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series event in Toronto this summer and reached the semifinals of the Series event in Cincinnati. Off the court, Esurance, the official car insurance sponsor of the U.S. Open, teamed up with the Bryan Brothers and USTA Serves this summer to support two tennis programs benefiting at-risk youth.

Stosur won the 2011 U.S. Open, defeating Serena Williams in the final. She reached the round of 16 at the U.S. Open this year, losing to world number one-ranked Victoria Azarenka in an epic three-set match. Stosur also reached the quarterfinals of the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series event in Cincinnati and the round of 16 in Montreal. She is ranked number seven in the world.

"I feel extremely honored to accept the Sportsmanship Award,” said Stosur. “I always try to compete hard and growing up watching my idols, I admired the players who were graceful in victory or defeat. It was a surprise to receive the award and nice to take home the beautiful trophy, although not quite the big one I was after." 

Eligibility requirements for winners include participating in at least two Series tournaments, as well as the 2012 U.S. Open. In addition to a trophy, each U.S. Open Sportsmanship Award winner receives a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice.