McEnroes vs. The Bryans *spoiler*

[VamosRafa]

When Hanescu bowed out today (and he did seem to be hurting, especially after serving), we thought it was going to be a short day at Davis Cup.

But while we waited for Bud Collins to interview Mike and Bob, the announcer said they were looking at putting together an exhibition match.

At that point, the whole crowd looked at the broadcast booth, and started yelling "John McEnroe," "John McEnroe." John took off his coat and tie, and we thought well, maybe . . . We also thought that perhaps Rod Laver would come out, as he was there for the coin toss yesterday.

And then Patrick McEnroe started hitting with the Bryans, and then a short while later it was announced that the McEnroes would take on the Bryans in a doubles exhibition. And the crowd went wild. In fact, if anything, ,there were more people in the stands then than there were for the earlier match.

Bud Collins was designated the chair umpire, and the McEnroes took the court. It was one of the most entertaining matches I have ever seen. They played one set, winner to get 8 games.

And they did all the usual gags. The McEnroes protested line calls, with hands of their hips. We were cheering them, yelling "You can't be serious." They were throwing racquets, and threatening the Bryans, saying they were going to lose their Davis Dup positions if they don't the Macs win.

Now, Patrick is a bit rusty, especially with serving. But it was no problem, when he got down 0-40, John would step in as the designated server. And as Bud Collins said, for the Macs, they can take as many serves "as needed."

But the Macs' volleying is still pretty good. And they were up 2-0, until the Bryans started getting serious. We had the cheers timed with the Bryan Bunch -- earlier we were yelling "Bob," and the other side of the stadium would yell "Mike." Now we were yelling "McEnroe" and they would respond, "Bryan." It was really fun.

There were many humorous moments in the match -- but one of my favorites was when Patrick McEnroe hit an ace, and Mike -- or was it Bob? -- brought him the tennis ball he had hit, and Patrick presented it to his parents (who were in the stadium). Bud said that the ball was on its way to the Smithsonian.

What a treat to see the McEnroes supporting Davis Cup this way. And at one point, Patrick put on one of the NetHeads, thinking it would bring him luck! This is what I love about Davis Cup. The stuff we saw yesterday -- with Andy leaving it all on court -- and today, with the McErnoes stepping in and making it a fun day -- it's what the sport is about. In the end, the Bryans won, but it just a great experience watching them, and especially watching the McEnroes trading volleys with the Bryans. There were some great points!!!

And we were sad for Romania. In fact, we were all cheering on Victor for a while, until it was obvious he couldn't continue without perhaps doing further injury.

Finally, there was another memorable moment today, when the Marines did the color guard, and a woman from the Marines sang the Star Spangled banner and just as she finished the last stanza, the Blue Angels screamed over the stadium in formation. It just gave us all chills. Something I'll never forget!!!

[Fee]

Thanks for the report. John Mac played in street clothes?

[VamosRafa]

Hey, Fee. Randy is standing behind me, and he says hello! He's hoping to see you in San Jose?????

Johnny Mac, amazingly enough, managed to find a full array of Nike gear. And was dressed appropriately for the event.

Maybe he raided James's locker -- except that he wasn't in the sleeveless.

But, Nike has a tent here, so maybe that's why it took John a few minutes to get down to court.

[mislav]

Originally Posted by VamosRafa

When Hanescu bowed out today (and he did seem to be hurting, especially after serving), we thought it was going to be a short day at Davis Cup.

But while we waited for Bud Collins to interview Mike and Bob, the announcer said they were looking at putting together an exhibition match.

At that point, the whole crowd looked at the broadcast booth, and started yelling "John McEnroe," "John McEnroe." John took off his coat and tie, and we thought well, maybe . . . We also thought that perhaps Rod Laver would come out, as he was there for the coin toss yesterday.

And then Patrick McEnroe started hitting with the Bryans, and then a short while later it was announced that the McEnroes would take on the Bryans in a doubles exhibition. And the crowd went wild. In fact, if anything, ,there were more people in the stands then than there were for the earlier match.

Bud Collins was designated the chair umpire, and the McEnroes took the court. It was one of the most entertaining matches I have ever seen. They played one set, winner to get 8 games.

And they did all the usual gags. The McEnroes protested line calls, with hands of their hips. We were cheering them, yelling "You can't be serious." They were throwing racquets, and threatening the Bryans, saying they were going to lose their Davis Dup positions if they don't the Macs win.

Now, Patrick is a bit rusty, especially with serving. But it was no problem, when he got down 0-40, John would step in as the designated server. And as Bud Collins said, for the Macs, they can take as many serves "as needed."

But the Macs' volleying is still pretty good. And they were up 2-0, until the Bryans started getting serious. We had the cheers timed with the Bryan Bunch -- earlier we were yelling "Bob," and the other side of the stadium would yell "Mike." Now we were yelling "McEnroe" and they would respond, "Bryan." It was really fun.

There were many humorous moments in the match -- but one of my favorites was when Patrick McEnroe hit an ace, and Mike -- or was it Bob? -- brought him the tennis ball he had hit, and Patrick presented it to his parents (who were in the stadium). Bud said that the ball was on its way to the Smithsonian.

What a treat to see the McEnroes supporting Davis Cup this way. And at one point, Patrick put on one of the NetHeads, thinking it would bring him luck! This is what I love about Davis Cup. The stuff we saw yesterday -- with Andy leaving it all on court -- and today, with the McErnoes stepping in and making it a fun day -- it's what the sport is about. In the end, the Bryans won, but it just a great experience watching them, and especially watching the McEnroes trading volleys with the Bryans. There were some great points!!!

And we were sad for Romania. In fact, we were all cheering on Victor for a while, until it was obvious he couldn't continue without perhaps doing further injury.

Finally, there was another memorable moment today, when the Marines did the color guard, and a woman from the Marines sang the Star Spangled banner and just as she finished the last stanza, the Blue Angels screamed over the stadium in formation. It just gave us all chills. Something I'll never forget!!!

This was simply one of those unforgettable tennis moments. It must have been amazing to be a part of this. I am admitting being totally green of envy that I couldn't have been there. It's really great to hear that this was done to promote Davis Cup and tennis in general.

Have you noticed any small kids in the audience? I bet a lot of them are future tennis players, perhaps even pros.

Thank you for this report, VamosRafa!

[VamosRafa]

It really was -- and there were kids here.

Before Johnny Mac came down to court, they brought out some kids from the local San Diego club to play against Bob and Mike. And Wayne Bryan did broadcasting duties for it. It was very cute.

And I forgot a really funny moment from the event -- after the McEnroes went down in the score, they decided the Bryans should have a handicap. So both Bob and Mike had to hold hands with a ball girl and couldn't let go as they played the point. And it was hilarious as Bob and Mike, held hands with these girls and ran around chasing down the balls. And I think they won the point.

On the grounds there is this wonderful Davis Cup poster where the tennis kids of San Diego signed it, wishing on our team. I'll get a photo of it for you. It's a wonderful testament to Davis Cup, too.

[Fee]

That sounds like a blast. I'm so glad that the Bryans and the Macs figured out a way to make it worth the time and money for the fans today. Sounds like a great time. I have a group of 6 young lady friends there and I wish I could have been there with them.

Say hello to Randy for me. I'll be in San Jose all week!!!

[MasterTS]

Originally Posted by VamosRafa

When Hanescu bowed out today (and he did seem to be hurting, especially after serving), we thought it was going to be a short day at Davis Cup.

But while we waited for Bud Collins to interview Mike and Bob, the announcer said they were looking at putting together an exhibition match.

At that point, the whole crowd looked at the broadcast booth, and started yelling "John McEnroe," "John McEnroe." John took off his coat and tie, and we thought well, maybe . . . We also thought that perhaps Rod Laver would come out, as he was there for the coin toss yesterday.

And then Patrick McEnroe started hitting with the Bryans, and then a short while later it was announced that the McEnroes would take on the Bryans in a doubles exhibition. And the crowd went wild. In fact, if anything, ,there were more people in the stands then than there were for the earlier match.

Bud Collins was designated the chair umpire, and the McEnroes took the court. It was one of the most entertaining matches I have ever seen. They played one set, winner to get 8 games.

And they did all the usual gags. The McEnroes protested line calls, with hands of their hips. We were cheering them, yelling "You can't be serious." They were throwing racquets, and threatening the Bryans, saying they were going to lose their Davis Dup positions if they don't the Macs win.

Now, Patrick is a bit rusty, especially with serving. But it was no problem, when he got down 0-40, John would step in as the designated server. And as Bud Collins said, for the Macs, they can take as many serves "as needed."

But the Macs' volleying is still pretty good. And they were up 2-0, until the Bryans started getting serious. We had the cheers timed with the Bryan Bunch -- earlier we were yelling "Bob," and the other side of the stadium would yell "Mike." Now we were yelling "McEnroe" and they would respond, "Bryan." It was really fun.

There were many humorous moments in the match -- but one of my favorites was when Patrick McEnroe hit an ace, and Mike -- or was it Bob? -- brought him the tennis ball he had hit, and Patrick presented it to his parents (who were in the stadium). Bud said that the ball was on its way to the Smithsonian.

What a treat to see the McEnroes supporting Davis Cup this way. And at one point, Patrick put on one of the NetHeads, thinking it would bring him luck! This is what I love about Davis Cup. The stuff we saw yesterday -- with Andy leaving it all on court -- and today, with the McErnoes stepping in and making it a fun day -- it's what the sport is about. In the end, the Bryans won, but it just a great experience watching them, and especially watching the McEnroes trading volleys with the Bryans. There were some great points!!!

And we were sad for Romania. In fact, we were all cheering on Victor for a while, until it was obvious he couldn't continue without perhaps doing further injury.

Finally, there was another memorable moment today, when the Marines did the color guard, and a woman from the Marines sang the Star Spangled banner and just as she finished the last stanza, the Blue Angels screamed over the stadium in formation. It just gave us all chills. Something I'll never forget!!!

Didn't know you were in LaJolla.. how do you like my home town?

[Shabazza]

Sounds like you had a blast out there, I'm really envious!
But thanks for the great report - is there any way to see this match, for non- americans??

[ShooterMcMarco]

That must have been really cool. Too bad Johnny Mac didn't wear the nadal capris.

[Volly master]

haha he needs the practice if he is going to play on wedsday

[GRANITECHIEF]

So what was the final score, 8-4ish?

[Jet Rink]

Vamos - great report and thanks for doing it.

Now hopefully all those clowns who love to kick at Johnny Mac and Patrick will take a dose of reality.

Wish I was there!

Jet

[oscar_2424]

Originally Posted by VamosRafa

When Hanescu bowed out today (and he did seem to be hurting, especially after serving), we thought it was going to be a short day at Davis Cup.

But while we waited for Bud Collins to interview Mike and Bob, the announcer said they were looking at putting together an exhibition match.

At that point, the whole crowd looked at the broadcast booth, and started yelling "John McEnroe," "John McEnroe." John took off his coat and tie, and we thought well, maybe . . . We also thought that perhaps Rod Laver would come out, as he was there for the coin toss yesterday.

And then Patrick McEnroe started hitting with the Bryans, and then a short while later it was announced that the McEnroes would take on the Bryans in a doubles exhibition. And the crowd went wild. In fact, if anything, ,there were more people in the stands then than there were for the earlier match.

Bud Collins was designated the chair umpire, and the McEnroes took the court. It was one of the most entertaining matches I have ever seen. They played one set, winner to get 8 games.

And they did all the usual gags. The McEnroes protested line calls, with hands of their hips. We were cheering them, yelling "You can't be serious." They were throwing racquets, and threatening the Bryans, saying they were going to lose their Davis Dup positions if they don't the Macs win.

Now, Patrick is a bit rusty, especially with serving. But it was no problem, when he got down 0-40, John would step in as the designated server. And as Bud Collins said, for the Macs, they can take as many serves "as needed."

But the Macs' volleying is still pretty good. And they were up 2-0, until the Bryans started getting serious. We had the cheers timed with the Bryan Bunch -- earlier we were yelling "Bob," and the other side of the stadium would yell "Mike." Now we were yelling "McEnroe" and they would respond, "Bryan." It was really fun.

There were many humorous moments in the match -- but one of my favorites was when Patrick McEnroe hit an ace, and Mike -- or was it Bob? -- brought him the tennis ball he had hit, and Patrick presented it to his parents (who were in the stadium). Bud said that the ball was on its way to the Smithsonian.

What a treat to see the McEnroes supporting Davis Cup this way. And at one point, Patrick put on one of the NetHeads, thinking it would bring him luck! This is what I love about Davis Cup. The stuff we saw yesterday -- with Andy leaving it all on court -- and today, with the McErnoes stepping in and making it a fun day -- it's what the sport is about. In the end, the Bryans won, but it just a great experience watching them, and especially watching the McEnroes trading volleys with the Bryans. There were some great points!!!

And we were sad for Romania. In fact, we were all cheering on Victor for a while, until it was obvious he couldn't continue without perhaps doing further injury.

Finally, there was another memorable moment today, when the Marines did the color guard, and a woman from the Marines sang the Star Spangled banner and just as she finished the last stanza, the Blue Angels screamed over the stadium in formation. It just gave us all chills. Something I'll never forget!!!

Awesome i wish i could have been there

[tguru]

Did John have his racquets there?

[simi]

Originally Posted by VamosRafa

But while we waited for Bud Collins to interview Mike and Bob, the announcer said they were looking at putting together an exhibition match.

At that point, the whole crowd looked at the broadcast booth, and started yelling "John McEnroe," "John McEnroe." John took off his coat and tie, and we thought well, maybe . . .

What a beautiful moment! I don't usually cry, but there's a tear in my eye after reading your report. It truely must have been a magical moment. Thank you for taking the time to write up an excellent report. It would have been worth the drive from LA just to see the bros. vs. the bros. The USTA is correct . . . "tennis is a sport for a lifetime".

[VamosRafa]

Yes, it was a special moment -- something that has never happened at any DC event I've been to.

Sunday was nice, too, but with Romania having to put up their No. 3 and 4 guys, it wasn't that competitive. Andy wasn't 100%, but he was well enough to handle this guy.

I'm so glad we are through to the quarters. It will be against Chile, and Andy is rooting for a grasscourt -- perhaps in Austin????

And Bob and Mike took time to sign a lot of autographs today, and that was nice.

[joe sch]

I was also there and that Macs vs Bryans was really a special show ...

It was obvious that the Bryans were holding back and that Pmac was not upto the caliber of the other guys. Johnny Mac can still ace anybody and pretty much hold serve, even with Patrick playing the other side of the court. Pmac was finally able to start breaking 100mph on a few serves and the Bryans would hand deliver those special balls back to him, very funny It was really a lot a fun rallies and they had a few with many amazing gets. This could surely be a way to get some excitement back into doubles. Id like to see the 2 old men, Johnny Mac and Rick Leach play the Bryans, this would surely help level the field. I do have to give Patrick alot of credit for playing since he obviously does not train like his brother John, and never had the same talent. Instead of leaving after 1 set of Bryans destroying the Romanian dubs attempt, I felt very lucky to be part of this historic event.

Thanks for posting Susan !

[VamosRafa]

Joe, I'm sorry we didn't get to say hello. But I'm sure you saw us there - with our Netheads on.

But I agree. It was wonderful to see that impromptu exhibition match. Yes, the Bryans were holding back a bit, at least for a while, but I thought that maybe Patrick would team up with Bob, and that John would team up with Mike -- but perhaps that would have been too serious. And it was cool to have the Macs vs. Bryans.

And as for the Macs, it's obvious which one keeps up serious tennis play -- along with his commentating duties.

And I totally agree re getting excitement back into doubles. Bob and Mike do so much for that already -- and to have this kind of a show there really does highlight doubles.

[bookem]

OK.... who has a vid available? Sounds like a keeper...

[baseliner]

Thanks for a great report. JMac always, for all his foibles was a great supporter of Davis Cup. That has not changed. There are a lot of aging tennis pros who probably would not have done that. Thanks to the 4 of them. Too bad OLN or TTC didn't cover that instead of re-playing the Roddick-Pavel match.