Bryans fail in Grand Slam bid

 

Originally published on: 06/09/13 00:00

In a rematch of last year’s US Open final, the American twins fell 3-6 6-3 6-4 – their first defeat at a major since Wimbledon last year.

The Bryan brothers were bidding to become the first doubles team to win all four Grand Slams in a season since Ken McGregor and Frank Sedgman in 1951.

They looked to be firmly on course for the final when they powered through the opening set, dropping just one point on serve, but the Indian-Czech pair raised their game to avenge last year’s defeat.

Despite their disappointment at missing out on a place in the history books, the Bryans were philosophical in defeat.

“As competitors we hate to lose, and we knew what was riding on this match and the opportunity of what we could have accomplished,” Bob Bryan said.

“And then in one sense it's a little bit of a relief where you get to kind of exhale for the first time in a few months. All of this Grand Slam talk has been in the back of our head, and it's been an honour to be a part of this run with Mike.”

"Twenty-eight matches in a row in Grand Slams might not ever happen again, [but] we feel like we did all we can do,” added Mike. [We’re] probably never going to have another shot at it."

Paes and Stepanek meanwhile, will face Bruno Soares and Alexander Peya in the final after the pair defeated Marcelo Melo and Ivan Dodig 7-5 6-4.

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