August 15, 2012

They jump. They jive. And yes they even wail. The Bryan Brothers made up of Bob (lefty) and Mike (righty) are the No. 1 doubles players in the world and the winningest duo in the history of the sport with a record 80 tour titles. This week they are playing in Cincy to rack up another title at the Western and Southern Open.

On Monday evening they hosted their third annual Rockin’ Racquet event at Four Bridges Country Club, which included a doubles clinic and live music performance from the brothers themselves. That’s right, this talented twosome even knows how to “slap a da bass, man.”

Mike and Alex on the bass

Bob playing the keys

Fresh off their gold medal win in London, the Bryan Brothers were eager to share their secrets. And while I can’t tell you the specifics what I gather is much of it begins with a bounce in your step, a bump of your chest, and a genuinely contagious smile.

The Facts Jack:

*Cincinnati is the first place the Bryan’s have stepped foot on American soil since winning Gold. Last week they played at the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

*The Bryans insist that winning the Gold for the USA has been the pinnacle of their career. In fact, they could hardly speak after the “Star Spangled Banner” was played while on the podium accepting their medals because they were so choked up.

*Beyond the Olympics, the brothers are all about the red, white and blue going 18-2 in Davis Cup matches.

Bob digging out a half volley during the clinic

*At the event at FBCC, the Bryan’s were introduced while running up a red carpet and giving high fives to everyone who participated in the clinic

*The cost of the clinic/concert was $250 per person and all the proceeds went to the Bryan Brothers Charitable Foundation which goes to fund a number of non-profits for children.

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While Fox19 and a number of other media outlets were on site, iSPYCINCY landed the first (and best, duh) interview of the night. If you want to know whether the brothers prefer skittles or m&m’s then you better keep reading…

Bob and Mike showing Rosie the Red some love at the Reds/Mets game on Tuesday night (photo credit: W&S Open fb page)

iSPY: What’s the best pump up song to listen to before a match?

BB: “Eye of the Tiger,” from Rocky.

iSPY: What is your favorite Grand Slam that you have won?

BB: The Aussie Open because we have won that five times. We always play well Down Under.

iSPY: What was your favorite sport to watch at the Olympics as a spectator?

BB: Basketball, but unfortunately we couldn’t attend any of the games because we didn’t stay in the Olympic Village. We stayed by Wimbledon because it’s a long ride away so we watched it on TV like you did. Hopefully, we’ll be able to go to Rio in 2016, and then we will stay in the village. (FYI – Mike also won a bronze medal in the mixed doubles with Lisa Raymond).

iSPY: M&M’s or Skittles?

BB: Definitely M&M’s

the gruesome twosome with Four Bridges tennis pro Jason Gray sporting the gold medal

So there you have it, the mystery is revealed. In a choice between two kinds of colorful button shaped candies, it looks like chocolate wins out over a taste of the rainbow. In all seriousness, the Bryan Brothers are awesome. Case in point – they stayed on Monday night until every autograph was signed and every guest had his/her picture with the gold medal taken. Plus, they make up some of the most entertaining tennis on the pro circuit. If you get a chance to see them this week, don’t miss out on the opportunity. Their signature chest bump is well worth the price of admission.

*Photo credits: Ken Munson

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