The Fabulous Bryan Boys

Thu, Mar 12, 2009

The Bryan Brothers Photo credit: All photographs by Michael Dwornik

The world’s best doubles team shares 52 tour titles (9 short of the record), 7 grand slams — and DNA. Here, Bob and Mike Bryan, identical twins, play with this spring’s classic American navy and white sportswear.

By Scott Gornal

Meet the Bryans
They may be identical (and share an e-mail address, homes in Florida and California, a rock band, even a bank account), but the Bryans, 30, are not carbon copies. Mike, a righty, is two minutes older, an inch shorter, and 10 pounds lighter than his left-handed sibling. Bob’s extra heft gives him a devastating serve, while Mike’s return is regarded as the best in doubles tennis. Their distinct personalities — Bob is aggressive, Mike coolly analytical — are reflected in their play. “I’m a little more intimidating at the net,” says Bob, “and Mike, with his incredible hands, is a little more precise.” Another way to tell the superstitious brothers apart: Bob always sits closest to the umpire between sets.

Joining Forces
In 2001 the Bryans were middling singles players on the pro circuit. Then they decided they’d be more effective as a team. Their advantage is distinct: While many of their opponents switch partners every six months, they’ve played together for 24 years. Says Mike, “We move like there’s a rope tied around our waists.” They’ve also brought fun to the court: Their signature victory move is a high-flying chest bump.

Blood Feuds
It’s not all fraternal affection. Just ask Bob about the scar under his right eye. That’s where Mike (pretending to be Skeletor) cut him (pretending to be He-Man) with a knife when they were kids. The scuffles have spilled onto the court, too. In 2001 a gut punch from Bob knocked the wind out of Mike, who’d said, “Nice shot, joker,” after Bob whiffed on a ball. And when his brother slapped him in the face at a match last year, Bob brought Mike to the ground with a direct racket-to-crotch shot. Their most notable blowup, however, came after a 2006 Wimbledon match. On the ride back to their room, Bob started nitpicking Mike, and a fistfight erupted in the backseat. An hour later the two had dinner together — all was forgotten.