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Friday, July 18
Bryan brothers take doubles title
By Greg Garber

PARIS -- They were holding court in the interview room wearing matching light blue adidas shirts, Bob on the left and Mike on the right, at least that's what their name placards said.

Grand Slam Brother Doubles Champions (Open Era)
  • Bob and Mike Bryan, United States, 2003
  • Luke and Murphy Jensen, United States, 1993
  • Gene and Sandy Mayer, United States, 1979
  • Actually, it's hard to tell because the Bryan brothers are 25-year-old identical twins from Camarillo, Calif. On Saturday, however, there was no confusion. You can call them both champions after their 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory over Paul Haarhuis and Yevgeny Kafelnikov.

    They became the first brothers to win the men's doubles title since -- gasp! -- Luke and Murphy Jensen a decade ago. They are only the third doubles pair to win a Grand Slam doubles championship in the Open Era -- all happened to be at the French Open.

    "This is a dream come true for us,'' Mike said. "We've been working since we were 2 years old on the courts. Now to come out here and be on this stage is just the biggest moment in our lives.''

    It was Mike's second Grand Slam title here at the French Open. He partnered with Lisa Raymond to win the mixed doubles on Friday. Last year, the brothers both reached the mixed doubles final at the U.S. Open, Mike, playing with Raymond won the first family Grand Slam.

    The brothers signature celebration move is the Bryan Bump, a full-frontal body slam. That they executed several times on Court Philippe Chatrier.

    Maybe this has vaulted them into position to fulfill another dream: playing Davis Cup. Captain Patrick McEnroe said he would have to take a look at them again for September's tie on clay against the Slovak Republic.

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    Garber: The odd couple

    Garber: Memorable moment