Last year, the most successful doubles team of all time joined with USTA Southern California to promote the very game that made them a tennis-household name. Bob and Mike Bryan – Olympic gold medalists, 16 time Grand Slam champions, and Davis Cup winners – are no stranger to the benefits of doubles tennis, and it’s no surprise that the twins and their Foundation teamed with the local USTA section to promote and develop doubles play among today’s junior players.
The result of this combined effort is the Bryan Bros. Doubles Race, a year-long competition that rewards the top local junior competitors for their cumulative performance in doubles play. This month at the BNP Paribas Masters Open in Indian Wells, each of the 2017 winners at Levels 1 thru 7 took center stage and were feted with a remarkable weekend of pro tennis, on court clinics, and a poolside dinner and gathering in Palm Springs.
“We’re really fired up about this new program,” said Wayne Bryan, the well-known father of the Bryans and mentor to tennis players throughout Southern California. “The idea is to get more kids playing the great game of doubles. I’m a big believer that the more doubles that kids play, it sharpens up their overall game.”
Ten teams were celebrated in Indian Wells for their finishes last year, ranging in age from 10 to 18. As a reward, the Bryan Bros. Foundation provided an all-inclusive weekend in Palm Springs for the players and a guardian, including hotel, tournament passes, and special events. Of course, each got to meet and take photos with the brothers themselves.
“What a lifetime opportunity,” said USTA SoCal Director of Youth Tennis Trevor Kronemann. “For the kids to be celebrated in this way, and to see what dedication and hard work can achieve, is really a testament to the twins’ Foundation and the impact they have on the game at all levels.”
The Bryan Bros. Doubles Race continues in 2018 and will track results throughout the year.
“A lot of kids like doubles,” says Wayne Bryan. “They like the team thing. I think we can attract more kids to our sport if we have that available.”
See the video montage on YouTube.
The 2017 Bryan Brothers Doubles Race Winners
Boys 18s: Jacob Bullard-Jack Pullman
Boys 16s: Ivan Smith-Christopher Papa
Boys 14s: Kevin-Thai-Eric Kats
Boys 12s: Avery Tallakson-Paul Dandler
Boys 10s: Keaton Hance-Rishvanth Krishna
Girls 18s: Emily Dush-Alexandra Kuo /and/ Rena Lin-Michelle Deng
Girls 16s: Giulia Hayer-Amanda Chan
Girls 14s: Iris Berman-Kaia Wolfe
Girls 12s: Stacey Samonte-Jeselle Ante
Girls 10s: Rachel Lee-Alyssa Ahn