4 records set by the Bryan twins that are nearly impossible to break
When it comes to the doubles format in tennis, a few names come to mind immediately - John McErnoe / Peter Fleming, Martina Navratilova / Pam Shriver, Mark Woodforde / Todd Woodbridge, Natasha Zvereva / Gigi Fernandez. But in recent times, the most popular duo in the doubles game have been the fraternal American twins - Bob and Mike Bryan.
Both the Bryans are over 40 years of age now but after contemplating retirement on several occasions in 2016 and 2017, they have re-discovered their mojo. The duo were one win away from regaining the top spot in the ATP Doubles rankings earlier this year, but an injury to Bob Bryan meant that they have to wait just a bit longer.
Mike, meanwhile, teamed up with fellow American Jack Sock and won 2 Grand Slam titles - the first instance of any of the Bryan twins winning a Doubles Grand Slam with another partner.
With Bob back fit again, the duo will look to extend their stranglehold over the doubles game - something that they have shared for almost 12 years.
The bulwark of many American Davis Cup teams in the last decade or so, the Bryans have shattered almost all the major records in the doubles game. We take a look at 4 of the most superlative records that they have set:
#1 More than 1,000 match wins together
Having played tennis together since their childhood days, the Bryan twins know each other incredibly well and that translated to success on court seamlessly. The left-handed Bob has one of the best serves in the men's game, and this coupled with Mike's superior net play make them a potent force.
The duo, nicknamed 'The Wonder Twins', are the first pair to lodge 600, 700 and 1,000 wins on the ATP Tour. As of 2018, the duo have won a total of 1067 matches, and this number is expected to become bigger come the 2019 tennis season.