NEW YORK (AP) — Bob and Mike Bryan opened their quest for a fifth U.S. Open crown and their 100th overall title together with a 6-2, 6-3 first-round victory Wednesday over Max Mirnyi and Mikhail Youzhny.
The 36-year-old Bryan twins, the world’s top-ranked doubles team, slammed six aces and never lost serve in an efficient victory that got them off court in less than an hour.
While the Bryans have won a record 15 Grand Slam tournament doubles titles, they have not taken one since Wimbledon 2013, a drought they attribute to the thin margins of the doubles game that leave no clear favorite and 15 to 20 teams that could potentially win the tournament.
“Holding serve is so big and returns have to be so precise,” Bob Bryan said.
Mike Bryan added they are hitting their stride after taking their 99th career title earlier this month in Cincinnati: “We’re feeling good and we’re healthy and we’re going to put ourselves in position to win another one of these, if not this week, then soon.”
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