Bryan Brothers Capture Fourth Oz Title

Written by: Wire Services on 31st January 2010

Bryan Brothers Capture Fourth Oz Title

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 30: Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan of the USA celebrate winning a point in their men's doubles final match against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia during day thirteen of the 2010 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bob Bryan;Mike Bryan |

January 31, 2010 – Bordentown, NJ, – Defending champions Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan took home their second consecutive men’s doubles crown at the 2010 Australian Open Saturday evening and their eighth Grand Slam title overall beating rivals Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic in three sets, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3.

With their EXO³ Ignite Team 95 racquets, which they switched to late last year, the 31-year old American twins are now just four titles away from reaching the all-time record, currently held by Australian greats Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde with 61.

“It feels great to come back to Melbourne and defend our title, capture another Grand Slam and take one step closer to the all-time title record,” said Bob Bryan. ”It is exactly how we hoped to kick-off 2010.”

The Bryans decided late last year to make a switch in racquets in order to achieve more control while still getting the ‘pop’ they need on serves and ground strokes. Their decision, after hitting only a few balls, was to pick up EXO³ technology and come down a bit in head size with the EXO³ Ignite Team 95.

“It is crucial in doubles to keep return of serves low and we feel as though we have better ability to do that with the EXO³ Ignite Team. But while it gives us added control and maneuverability, we are still able to deliver the power and pace we need on our serves and balls hit from the baseline,” said Bob Bryan. “It is just a fantastic all-court racquet and one of the things we loved instantly was the ‘clunk’ solid sound it makes upon ball strike.”

“The doubles game is getting better. Teams are improving and strong singles players on tour are starting to learn how to play. We need to continue to get better and evolve our game and without question we think we have improved since making the racquet switch. It was important for me to be able to carve out some more angles at net and do more with short balls,” said Mike Bryan.

The switch has proved to be a smart move. Aside from taking home the year’s first Grand Slam event, the Bryans executed a dramatic end to last season when for the fifth time, they ended the year as the world’s top team by winning the ATP Tour Doubles Finals in London. They came into that tournament 800 points behind Nestor and Zimonjic, but in the end, claimed the year-end No.1 ranking.

Even their father, coach Wayne Bryan, echoes Mike and Bob’s feelings about their new frames. “The Bros. absolutely love them and say it has the best feel of any stick they have every played with – which really is a strong testament and says something special. And, they like the looks of it too. “

The Bryans are just two of more than 50 players on tour, including Nikolay Davydenko, Gael Monfils and Maria Sharapova among others, who are now taking advantage of Prince’s O-technology, a unique series of holes along the frame of the racquet.

More information on the Bryan Brothers, their EXO³ Ignite Team 95 racquet, and all Prince players and products can be found at www.princetennis.com.

Topics: Angles, Australian Greats, Australian Open, Balls, Baseline, Bob Bryan, Bordentown Nj, Bryans, Daniel Nestor, Exo, Grand Slam Title, Ground Strokes, Maneuverability, Nenad Zimonjic, Rivals, Saturday Evening, Singles Players, Time Record, Time Title, Todd Woodbridge