FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY – This week, everyone is talking about the Manning brothers and their quest for a fourth world championship.
Yes, four. Eli has two and Peyton has one.
Move over Mannings, it’s time for the Bryan Brothers – Bob and Mike – to get some love.
Yes, tennis’s wonder twins are at it again with another Grand Slam win on the resume – that would be their 12th for those counting at home – after beating the team of Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-4 to win the Men’s Doubles title.
“We were just thinking about playing a good match and executing the scouting report our coach gave us and winning our home slam in front of all these fans that were pumping us up the whole day,” Bob said. “I mean, we’re extremely pumped to leave 2012 with a Grand Slam title. I think it’s eight years in a row now we’ve at least got away with one of them, which we’re very proud of.”
Maybe the Bryans are the standard bearers of men’s tennis now with the retirement of Andy Roddick. Although they play doubles – a sport that isn’t really cared about – their success is extraordinary winning a slam a at least year for eight years.
And this is their fourth Open win, on bested by Australia with five.
“You know, it doesn’t get the notoriety that, you know, a Federer record does,” Mike said. “We have fun slipping under the radar. Probably get asked once or twice a week ‑ by Doug ‑ but that’s about it. This isn’t our first time sitting in this room in front of a bunch of media.
“But they’re special to us and we talk about them with our camp. My dad definitely he shoots e‑mails to us with all our records and they’re fun to look at.
“Then it’s up to you guys to, you know, determine where we stand in history or whatever. You know, that’s what we play for. We set goals every year. This was just another goal that we went after. It’s fun to achieve it.”
Oh and let’s not forget the Olympic gold this year too, which is just as important for the brothers.
And after that what’s next?
“Got to finish it off strong with Davis Cup,” Mike said. “You’re only as good as your last match.
“So we’re leaving tomorrow night, going to get our clay court shoes on, and hopefully help the U.S. out.”
Like they have done for the last eight years.
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