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Bryan brothers commit to Los Angeles |
The record-setting Southern California doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan of Camarillo have committed to play in the 80th annual Countrywide Classic, July 24-30, at the Los Angeles Tennis Center-UCLA.
“We are delighted to have Bob and Mike as early commitments for next summer’s Countrywide Classic,” said Tournament Director Bob Kramer. “Their energy and success along with the doubles rules changes implemented by the ATP will bring a great deal of excitement to the draw.”
Players already committed to the Countrywide Classic are Croatian Davis Cup stars Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic and Argentina’s David Nalbandian, who upset world No. 1 Roger Federer in the finals of the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai. Andre Agassi is the reigning champion.
The Bryans, the world’s No. 1 doubles team two of the last three years, carved their name in the tennis history books last year, becoming only the second team in 50 years to reach the finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments in one season. They captured the U.S. Open for their second career Grand Slam title. Their first Grand Slam crown came at Roland Garros in 2003. They won at least five titles for a fourth consecutive year, in an ATP-best 11 finals. They won seven titles in 2004, and helped the U.S. to their first Davis Cup final since 1997 by going 4-0. They own 26 career doubles titles as a team, including Los Angeles in 2001 and 2004.
Stanford alums, the Bryans attract spectators with high-energy theatrics and chest-bumping celebrations. Left-hander Bob has a huge first serve and a world-class forehand while right-hander Mike has explosive returns. Off the court, Mike plays drums and Bob keyboard as part of the Bryan Bros. Band.
"We consider the Center Court at the Los Angeles Tennis Center our home court, “said Bob Bryan. “We've played on it so may times during our juniors and college days. It has great atmosphere and we get amazing fan support there and that's probably why we've won the event twice."
"Bob Kramer and his staff and volunteers do a terrific job for the players and the fans,” Mike Bryan said. “And they really do a great job of showcasing doubles. We'll look forward to playing at home there in July and we'll give it everything we've got to win number three at the Countrywide Classic."
Added Bob Bryan: "And we'll also be look forward to doing the KIDS DAY and the Wilson and adidas juniors clinics. Those events are always fun and the turnout is amazing. It wasn't too long ago we were going to those clinics and we had a blast hitting and interacting with the pros. And we always appreciate how many local club pros turn out to help with the kids."
BRYAN BROTHERS COMMIT TO 2006 COUNTRYWIDE CLASSIC AT UCLA
Rule changes implemented in 2006 by the ATP will make doubles more compelling and exciting for fans. A high-intensity Match Tie-Break will be played in place of a third set, and a “sudden-death” point will be played at deuce. The Bryans are the leading pair at the forefront of the revolution that is sweeping the doubles game (www.atptennis.com/doubles alley).
The Countrywide Classic will feature a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles competition. The landmark Southern California ATP tournament is the longest running annual professional sporting event in Los Angeles, and offers total player compensation in excess of $1 million.
With 64 tournaments in 31 countries, the ATP showcases the finest athletes competing in the world’s most exciting venues.
For the third consecutive year, the Countrywide Classic will also be a part of the U.S. Open Series, the eight-week summer tennis season linking 10 major ATP and WTA Tour tournaments to the U.S. Open. Television viewership for the 2005 U.S. Open Series generated significant increases, attracting more than 40 million viewers.
Previous winners of the Countrywide Classic, whose history dates to 1927, include Agassi, Michael Chang, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Michael Stich, Boris Becker, Richard Krajicek, Stefan Edberg, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Stan Smith, Arthur Ashe, Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, Pancho Gonzalez, Jack Kramer, Bobby Riggs, Don Budge, Ellsworth Vines, Fred Perry and Bill Tilden. Agassi became a four-time winner of the event this year.
Proceeds from the Countrywide Classic, held in conjunction with UCLA, benefit the grassroots programs of the non-profit Southern California Tennis Association (SCTA) and UCLA. The SCTA offers programs, leagues, and tournaments involving 300,000 juniors and 50,000 adults and seniors. Inquiries regarding tickets and information may be directed to the Countrywide Classic tournament office on the UCLA campus. For information, please call 310-824-1010. |
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