7th Time Bryans Get Year-End Rank of Number 1

Written by: Staff on 3rd November 2011

7th Time Bryans Get Year-End Rank of Number 1

Bob Bryan (R) from United States celebrates with brother and teammate Mike Bryan (L) after winning the doubles match against Spain during the 2011 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Quarterfinal between the United States and Spain at the Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas at Austin, in Austin, Texas, 09 July 2011. EPA/LARRY W. SMITH |

American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan have clinched the year-end No. 1 ATP Doubles Team Ranking for a record seventh time. By winning their first round match in the Valencia Open on Wednesday, the Bryans have guaranteed that they cannot be overtaken by No. 2 team Michael Llodra and Nenad Zimonjic.

The 33-year-old twins’ memorable 2011 season includes two majors (Australian Open, Wimbledon), giving them 11 in their career, and two ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles (Monte-Carlo, Madrid). They were also champions in Houston, at the Queen’s Club in London and Vienna.

The Bryans, who have won at least five titles in each of the past 10 years, compiled a 7-3 mark in finals this season. They have the most team titles in the Open Era with 74. As individuals, they both have been ranked No. 1 in the ATP Doubles Rankings for 265 weeks and they will surpass John McEnroe’s record of 270 weeks on December 12th.

“Breaking McEnroe’s record is something that is hard to fathom,” said Bob. “He’s such a legend and to achieve something like this won’t truly set in for awhile. Mike added, “It’s always a special feeling finishing the year as the top team. I think it’s more satisfying than winning a Slam because it represents the season as a whole.

“When we now look back at 2011, it will now be with a lot of fond memories. The level of tennis always keeps getting stronger, so I’m most proud of our willingness to improve as we get older.”

“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”