Bob and Mike Bryan will join forces on the court for the first time since May to play at next months ASB Classic in Auckland.
The American twins, who are aged 40, are regarded as one of the most successful doubles teams of all time. They last played together at the Madrid Open in May before Bob was sidelined from action due to a hip injury. At the Madrid Open, the duo was forced to retire in the final due to Bob’s injury. Making it the first time they have done so in 1,407 matches played.
In Bob’s absence, Mike has teamed up with former top 20 player Jack Sock this year. Together, Mike and Sock won grand slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as the ATP Finals in November.
“We are stoked to be coming back to Auckland,” the brothers said in a joint statement.
“We’ve got a bit of a point to prove.
“We’ve won 114 titles together but are yet to get the Win Auckland. We’ve got to change that. Here’s hoping 2019 can be our year.”
The Bryan brothers have won 116 doubles titles together so far in their careers. Including 16 grand slams, 38 Masters 1000 titles and a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games. They are the most successful men’s doubles team in the Open Era and the only to have won all 4 Grand Slams, 9 ATP Masters 1000 events, Nitto ATP Finals and Olympics. They currently have a win-loss record of 1,067-340, which is the most wins by a pair in the Open Era.
“They truly are the most successful pairing of all time and one of the most exciting doubles combinations to watch,” said Auckland tournament director Karl Budge.
“Their record speaks for itself and their on-court energy and banter will make them crowd favourites for sure.”
It will be the third time the Bryan Brothers have played in New Zealand after 2016 and 2017. They are yet to win a match at the tournament.
The ASB Classic will get underway on January 7th at the ASB Tennis Centre. In the singles tournament, Fabio Fognini, Tomas Berdych, Roberto Bautista Agut, Gael Monfils and Denis Shapovalov are all set to play. Bautista Agut is the defending champion.
