The Bryan Brothers

[Tchocky]

Does anybody else get annoyed watching the Bryan Brothers? I was watching them vs. Chile's backup doubles team of Capdeville and Garcia on Saturday. Even though this was a lopsided match where Chile had no chance of winning, the Bryans were jumping around like it was the deciding rubber in the final. I get dizzy just watching them jump around like hyperactive young boys who drink soda 24/7. And that body slam they do is the gayest thing out there. I don't have anything against them personally but come on? Is there anybody else that feels the same?

 

[Lee]

hahaha Tchocky you sure speak the truth. But what can we do? They always come through in the DC for us

 

[J-man]

as long as they win that's all i care

 

[slice bh compliment]

They have been annoying people (and opponents) with that krunk, high caffeine game since the mid-nineties at Stanford. I like the righty lefty thing, the one-handed backhands and the fact that they play attacking doubles for the most part.

The kids love their schtick. The ladies even love it. Yeah, they are a little cheesy, but even with their dad's help and some consulting from the WWE, they could never approach the cheese factor of Luke and Murphy Jensen.

So for me, Bryan Twins: thumbs up for the most part. However, outside of a Davis Cup tie, I can see rooting for say, Mac and anybody, Fedi/Allegro, Santoro/Llodra or Malisse/Rochus to kick their asses. I also like Leander Paes and Jonas Bjorkman and whoever they are playing with.

 

[DashaandSafin]

Does anybody else get annoyed watching the Bryan Brothers? I was watching them vs. Chile's backup doubles team of Capdeville and Garcia on Saturday. Even though this was a lopsided match where Chile had no chance of winning, the Bryans were jumping around like it was the deciding rubber in the final. I get dizzy just watching them jump around like hyperactive young boys who drink soda 24/7. And that body slam they do is the gayest thing out there. I don't have anything against them personally but come on? Is there anybody else that feels the same?

They're young, energetic, and love to play for thier country. Assuming you are from the USA, i hope you really support them becuase they ALWAYS pull through for us. Clutch dubs is a good thing to have in Davis Cup. So what if they jump around, not everyone can be Roger Federer you know.

 

[croatian sensation]

hahaha Tchocky you sure speak the truth. But what can we do? They always come through in the DC for us

Khm, Carson...last year

"They always come through in the DC for us...unless they're playing against Ancic and Ljubicic." That's what you wanted to say, right!?

And DashaandSafin...you too..."always",and in Caps!?

 

[DashaandSafin]

Khm, Carson...last year

"They always come through in the DC for us...unless they're playing against Ancic and Ljubicic." That's what you wanted to say, right!?

And DashaandSafin...you too..."always",and in Caps!?

So..one loss.
Federer is ALWAYS clutch.
A couple of losses a season is pretty clutch id say, one is near perfect.

 

[norcal]

Massu and Gonzo had as good of the chance against Bryan's as those other Chillian clowns that lost in straight sets.

Don't insult them like that! It's 'Chilean' clowns.

 

[VamosRafa]

I love the Bryans. They are great doubles players, and let's face it -- Davis Cup is one situation where doubles gets some glory. They get to go out there, play before a full venue that is really pulling for them. People in the stands really care whether they win or lose, and that's not often true in tourneys they play.

And with Davis Cup, they get to be on TV. That doesn't happen much in doubles.

They are hyper guys -- I love how they bounce in unison as they are waiting to receive serve. And as for the Bryan Bump, they only do that for big matches. They don't do it in the first round in Houston, for example.

And they are great muscians, too. I wish the Bryan Bros Band would perform more at ATP events -- I think it would make them and doubles more popular.

 

[arosen]

IMHO Brian brothers always fall a little short of a real deal. Yeah, they won all those dubs titles, sure. But when it came to the Olympics, they got their butts kicked by guys that MEAN BUSINESS. Neither one of them Brians could quite make it on the sigles side, so, they stuck to the kiddie league, doing their clowns act to get some attention from the public. VamosRafa is saying they are good entertainers, and ironically, you know thats what they ultimately are, great entertainers. They play music well, they juggle and prance around, contort their bodies. Nothing wrong with that, but to me, they will never be the Top Dogs in the World of Tennis. You know, the best athletes. Clowns? Sure.

 

[GrassCourtFan]

Well, they've done pretty well at the Slams - I think they have five straight finals now? Something like that.

 

[superman1]

They constantly lose finals, though. Doesn't matter who they're playing in the finals, they'll lose.

 

[VolklVenom]

i hate them, big-time

 

[sandiegotennisboy]

They constantly lose finals, though. Doesn't matter who they're playing in the finals, they'll lose.

haha, so true.

 

[GrassCourtFan]

They constantly lose finals, though. Doesn't matter who they're playing in the finals, they'll lose.

Not true.

They have 28 career titles, and 20 other finals. This is more wins than losses in finals - sure, they're not the Federer of doubles, but they're no Malisse or Kiefer either.

They have 3 Grand slam doubles titles - that's not "always losing."

 

[sandiegotennisboy]

well at kiefer's and malisse's defense, at least people watch them play. so there. haha.

 

[GrassCourtFan]

well at kiefer's and malisse's defense, at least people watch them play. so there. haha.

Oh, I have nothing against either Malisse or Kiefer - they're fun players with a lot of variety. But their record in finals is horrific, though to be fair Kiefer's was good early in his career.

 

[Andres]

I don't know why, but I just love Max Mirnyi + anyone.
The guy is awesome!!!

 

[Caswell]

Doubles is all about communication. You do what you have to to stay on the same wavelength with your partner. Some folks can be more subtle about it, some not.

 

[simi]

I enjoy playing doubles more than singles and also enjoy watching doubles more than singles on the professional level. They are different games, each form stresses different aspects of the total game.

All of the top double players are a joy to watch. This includes Bob and Mike. When all is said and done, they just might become the most sucessful doubles team to ever have played the game. Because of the way they play, you can tell that they really love the game. Some think it is over the top, but can't fault their sincerity.

What I don't like, or don't think I like yet, is the new scoring system. It introduced too much of the element of luck. If the twins can indeed stay on top, they they are truely the best team currently playing the game. In addition to luck, the new scoring system emphasizes important points. To win a match, a team has to play well on these "decision" points.

If you don't like watching them . . . then don't. Last I heard, this is still a free country with individual choices.

 

[MonkeyPox]

They are just over the top typical Americans. I can say that, being an American too. They are sort of annoying, but seem like good guys. I'll take that over some of the players that really seem pretty heinous.

 

[sotua]

All of the top double players are a joy to watch. This includes Bob and Mike. When all is said and done, they just might become the most sucessful doubles team to ever have played the game.

They'll have to do a little better than they are doing right now if they want to claim the "most succesfull team" title:

Woodbridge/Woodforde: 6 x W, 1 x FO, 2 x AO, 2 x USO, 1 x Olympic Gold, 1 x DC, 61 titles overall, around 21 finals, 1 Olympic silver, 2 DC finals.

(Woodbridge continued, after Woodforde retired, to amass a mind-boggling 16 slams )

 

[simi]

They'll have to do a little better than they are doing right now if they want to claim the "most succesfull team" title:

That is why I said "might". They have a long way to go, but are still young. Don't even know if they want to claim the "title". Looks like they are having too much fun right now.

 

[8PAQ]

Does anybody else get annoyed watching the Bryan Brothers? I was watching them vs. Chile's backup doubles team of Capdeville and Garcia on Saturday. Even though this was a lopsided match where Chile had no chance of winning, the Bryans were jumping around like it was the deciding rubber in the final. I get dizzy just watching them jump around like hyperactive young boys who drink soda 24/7. And that body slam they do is the gayest thing out there. I don't have anything against them personally but come on? Is there anybody else that feels the same?

I agree. Gayest thing ever.

 

[DashaandSafin]

IMHO Brian brothers always fall a little short of a real deal. Yeah, they won all those dubs titles, sure. But when it came to the Olympics, they got their butts kicked by guys that MEAN BUSINESS. Neither one of them Brians could quite make it on the sigles side, so, they stuck to the kiddie league, doing their clowns act to get some attention from the public. VamosRafa is saying they are good entertainers, and ironically, you know thats what they ultimately are, great entertainers. They play music well, they juggle and prance around, contort their bodies. Nothing wrong with that, but to me, they will never be the Top Dogs in the World of Tennis. You know, the best athletes. Clowns? Sure.

Check the rankings buddy.
So what if they lose in finals? I seem to recall Lendel lost in numerous finals until he got the hang of it. They are still young and will get even better.
Oh yea, no one cares about tennis in the Olympics, thats why many many top players skip it. Lets check who won the last Olympics in tennis: Oh yes, Massu. What a joke.

 

[Django]

Anyone who has taken more than a few lessons in doubles likely was told by their pro how important it is to remain positive, supporting your partner, and conveying an upbeat body language and attitude. The Bryan Brothers simply take this to heart. Hey, it works for them; and it probaby wouldn't hurt most club players (myself included) to try a bit more in this area. They're a good example.

Regarding earlier mention of Max Mirnyi; we used to see him partner w/ Roger Federer. What a team! Roger just happens to be the best DOUBLES player on tour right now; wish he'd play more, but I understand his priorities.

 

[Roforot]

The "brian bump" needs to stop.

 

[VamosRafa]

The "brian bump" needs to stop.

I disagree. It's one of the few "trademark" things doubles has going for it. And tennis needs it. And needs Mike and Bob, in my view. They are the best current ambassadors for doubles out there -- because they are enthusiastic, they are entertaining (I agree with that assessment), and they are American, so it's something to get Americans excited about the ATP and doubles.

I find it ironic that when all the doubles changes were taking place last year, people here were fighting that, saying you can't eliminate doubles. So the ATP is working on promoting it more, and Bob and Mike, as the No. 1 team, are a big part of that promotion, as they should be.

But taking away the things that are most interesting about them would undermine that, IMO. They are entertainers, they speak well when they are interviewed (which is rare except for Davis Cup), and they love being on the Tour and being out there competing. They not be the best doubles team ever (doubt they will ever surpass the Woodies), but they do have some major titles; they are a staple on the US Davis Cup team (which they will win one year when we get the right draw); and they aren't boring.

It's not as if you guys have to watch them all the time on TV -- they are never shown unless it's Davis Cup. Reading some of the comments above, I think the complaint is more against doubles than against the Bryans.

At IW, I had chances to watch singles players at times, but chose the Bryans. They are fun to watch. And for many people going to tournaments, that is enough.

 

[DashaandSafin]

I disagree. It's one of the few "trademark" things doubles has going for it. And tennis needs it. And needs Mike and Bob, in my view. They are the best current ambassadors for doubles out there -- because they are enthusiastic, they are entertaining (I agree with that assessment), and they are American, so it's something to get Americans excited about the ATP and doubles.

I find it ironic that when all the doubles changes were taking place last year, people here were fighting that, saying you can't eliminate doubles. So the ATP is working on promoting it more, and Bob and Mike, as the No. 1 team, are a big part of that promotion, as they should be.

But taking away the things that are most interesting about them would undermine that, IMO. They are entertainers, they speak well when they are interviewed (which is rare except for Davis Cup), and they love being on the Tour and being out there competing. They not be the best doubles team ever (doubt they will ever surpass the Woodies), but they do have some major titles; they are a staple on the US Davis Cup team (which they will win one year when we get the right draw); and they aren't boring.

It's not as if you guys have to watch them all the time on TV -- they are never shown unless it's Davis Cup. Reading some of the comments above, I think the complaint is more against doubles than against the Bryans.

At IW, I had chances to watch singles players at times, but chose the Bryans. They are fun to watch. And for many people going to tournaments, that is enough.

Doubles almost has nothing going for it. You can thank your lucky stars that the Bryan Bros came along and "revived" doubles. Before that, almost no one cared for doubles unless Johnny Mac played. The Bryan Bros revived the game in the minds of the U.S. people.

 

[wyutani]

why dun the bryan brothers break off and persue a singles career, that would be fun......

 

[sureshs]

The Brian bump gets a lot of attention. After the AO, the Bryans said that Paes and Zimonjvic (sp?) were copying them in an annoying way. This led to Leander saying he and Mahesh Bhupathi were doing the bump when the Bryans were in diapers. And then the Jensens said they were the original bumpers.

 

[VamosRafa]

Doubles almost has nothing going for it. You can thank your lucky stars that the Bryan Bros came along and "revived" doubles. Before that, almost no one cared for doubles unless Johnny Mac played. The Bryan Bros revived the game in the minds of the U.S. people.

I totally agree, and the fact that Patrick McEnroe is letting them get that potential point for our Davis Cup team is huge. Peter Bodo wrote this in his blog this week, and it's so true:

The Golden Woody goes to Mike and Bob Bryan, for once again demonstrating what the Australian Woodys, Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge, along with many other fine squads (including the U.S.’s John McEnroe and Peter Fleming) helped drill home: in Davis Cup, doubles is huge. So much so, that you can probably establish a strong correlation between great doubles teams and great Davis Cup runs (anyone of you doubles geeks care to run some numbers on this?).

The fact is, in an era when almost any developed nation on earth – and some that are still developing - has at least one world class player capable of beating anyone on a given day, the pivotal third match, on Day 2, which is always the doubles, may be the most important rubber of any tie. It’s the difference between going into the last two singles just one win away from elimination and the pressures that brings to bear.

I think if, and it's a huge IF, the USA does get to the final this year, it will be because of Mike and Bob Bryan. Without them, it wouldn't be possible.

Go USA!!!

 

[LN_Dad]

Can't stand watching those 2 behave like rodeo clowns. I always root for their opponents.

 

[VamosRafa]

Can't stand watching those 2 behave like rodeo clowns. I always root for their opponents.

And how often do you get to watch them? You travel the circuit and watch doubles? And you see them regularly playing doubles on Tour and also in Davis Cup?

I've been watching them do both for years, and I don't see two clowns. I see two guys who are great for the sport, and who are very professional at all times. Yes, they do entertain, but they take this very seriously when it counts. They only act like clowns when nothing is on the line.

I also went to Shanghai for the Masters last year, and I was so proud of those two guys. They played so well, even though they didn't win, but they did their best to compensate for all the singles withdrawals. They played their music in food hall, and then got ready for their matches. The Chinese fans loved them.

When I saw the Chinese fans later waving American flags during their matches, I knew why they were doing it. And I was proud of Mike and Bob, and proud to be there as one of their fellow Americans.

 

[LN_Dad]

Vamos, I never claimed to have seen all their matches. I see them play once in a while on TTC and that's more than enough. Are you the president of their fan club or something? Not all of us tennis fans like them and you can't change my opinion of them.

 

[ChipNCharge]

I agree with VamosRafa. The Bryan Bros are fun to watch, are good for tennis, and -- like John McEnroe -- they LOVE representing their country in Davis Cup play (which is pretty rare for US players any more).

 

[Deleted member 4983]

They're awesome and a tremendous asset to Davis Cup. Probably will be the only rubber the U.S. wins against Russia. They are the face(s) of doubles and bring excitement (except when John McEnroe decides to team up with Bjorkman)

 

[gully]

I could care less about the bump, but their approach to the game interests me: I'd characterize it as high-risk movement, low-risk placement.

Nothing in their arsenal of strokes seems especially impressive or unimpressive, at least compared to the upper echelon of other players. Their most impressive quality on court is probably their footspeed, anticipation, movement, and communication--in particular, they seem to play a very high-risk/high-reward game in terms of where they move, how they poach, and how they cover.

That said, they rarely take risks in terms of their own shot placement, forgoing the alleys for the low ball in the middle, attacking the weaker opponent, and looking for the poach or putaway.

It looks like really smart doubles to me -- and a game almost any fit club, college, or competitive player could at least try to emulate.

 

[gully]

And yeah, like Cowell says, they're a tremendous asset to the Cup team. Of course, that's where they get about their only tv time, so there's bound to be a bit more bumping there than at other (non-team, regular-tour) events.

An 8-1 record in Cup play is hard to argue with.

 

[gully]

Other US doubles records in Cup ties (from the Daviscup.com site):

Lutz/Smith: 13-1
Flach/Seguso: 10-2
Leach/Pugh: 6-2
McEnroe/Fleming: 15-1

who am I missing?

 

[ChipNCharge]

Considering how competitive the Bryan Bros are and how badly they wanted to do well in Davis Cup, last year's loss to Croatia probably eats at them every day.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

Doubles almost has nothing going for it.

Nonsense! Just because you stink at Dubs, doesn't mean it's a loser.

You can thank your lucky stars that the Bryan Bros came along and "revived" doubles. Before that, almost no one cared for doubles unless Johnny Mac played. The Bryan Bros revived the game in the minds of the U.S. people.

This is *partly* true.

(As a Coach) the Bryans' tactical play bugs me -- as already pointed out, their switches and positioning is high risk. But they WIN and they ENTERTAIN. They're an asset to Tennis.

- KK

 

[KFwinds]

I personally would rather watch the Bryans than watch the rest of the stiffs out there; they are great guys, great athletes, great entertainers, and great for the sport. And yeah, they are also the real deal - 3-time GS champions. If you have a problem with the Bryans, I've got a problem with you - STUFF IT!

 

[LN_Dad]

I personally would rather watch the Bryans than watch the rest of the stiffs out there; they are great guys, great athletes, great entertainers, and great for the sport. And yeah, they are also the real deal - 3-time GS champions. If you have a problem with the Bryans, I've got a problem with you - STUFF IT!

Up yours! Everybody has their own opinions and I don't have to agree with yours.

 

[simi]

At IW, I had chances to watch singles players at times, but chose the Bryans. They are fun to watch. And for many people going to tournaments, that is enough.

I went to Indian Wells this year for the first time. In fact, it was the first professional tournament that I've ever attended. I also specifically went on the first Sunday for only one reason. That was first day of men's doubles play and I wanted to watch the Bryan Boys and Jonas/Max play.

Due to Saturday's rainout, the schedule was pushed back and there was no doubles play on Sunday. Shoot! Went back home (to Palmdale, a 2.5 hour drive). After teaching my class on Monday morning, I took a vacation day at my regular job and went back to the tournament . . . again, specifically to see Bjorkman/Mirnyi and the Twins.

Didn't get a chance to watch the Bryans in action, but did watch Max and Jonas practice for about two hours. A "dumb" practice session, but they were great. (Did get a chance to watch Nestor/Knowles in their first round match. They later went on to win the tournament. Those guys are good!)

Again, don't like 'em, don't watch 'em. Nobody is forcing you to sit down and not to move until they are off the tube. There is always that on/off switch, or the channel changer.

 

[progman_2000]

This is getting a little ugly - starting to sound like a Williams sisters thread...

 

[slice bh compliment]

This is getting a little ugly - starting to sound like a Williams sisters thread...

Yup. You nailed it. Annoyance factor. Nothing personal. We tennis fans are just verry fickle.

We wish for more doubles exposure. Then we get it in the form of two caffeinated extroverts doing a chest bump and calling it 'macaroni', I mean, the Bryan Bump. Great players, good musicians, wonderful for the game. I just hope they do not actually call it the Bryan Bump themselves.

We wish for more minority and multicultural success in tennis. Then we get annoying-as-hell grunting, excuse-making and lack of committment from the Williams sisters. But it is the fake persona, the bling and the fashion/acting thing that turns me off of Serena.

They have this in common: prominent dads. Annoying.

 

[VamosRafa]

Vamos, I never claimed to have seen all their matches. I see them play once in a while on TTC and that's more than enough. Are you the president of their fan club or something? Not all of us tennis fans like them and you can't change my opinion of them.

No, I'm the president of the Rafael Nadal Fan Club.

But close enough. ;-)

 

[diegaa]

I'm the president of the Rafael Nadal Fan Club.

And how many of those things are around???

 

[VamosRafa]

And how many of those things are around???

Hola, diegaa. I don't know exactly, but I'm fairly sure that vamosrafael.com is one of the major ones. ;-)

Still, I take time out from my duties there to follow the Bryans around in Davis Cup action.

And to be fair, the Bryans live in the next town from mine, so I feel a bit of connection there. But regardless, they are fun to watch, and that's the main reason I like them.