Tense Time for the Bryans Brothers

Written by: Staff on 28th January 2012

Tense Time for the Bryans Brothers

Mike Bryan (R) and Bob Bryan of USA chats during their men's doubles third round match against Ross Hutchins and Colin Fleming of Britain at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 22 January 2012. EPA/MAST IRHAM |

Beaten American doubles finalists Bob and Mike Bryan hopped a trans-Pacific flight in a race against time as Bob aims to get to Miami before the impending birth of his first child. The pair were denied a record 12th Grand Slam doubles title in a straight-set defeat by Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek, finishing just under 12 hours before flight time from Melbourne.

“Bob’s wife Michelle had been due to give birth over the weekend, in direct conflict with the Saturday doubles final. But after hearing no word on any new developments, the expectant father went onto the court at the Australian Open with his mind at ease on the family front.

“I was hoping we could get it done (win), then go home and have a baby,” said the 33-year-old. “She’s been in bed the last few days, not doing anything.

“She’s been a trooper, she’s done her job – we almost did our job. I’m going in to the hospital Monday, and that’s gonna be another battle. ”

Topics: Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan