Bob and Mike Bryan retired from tennis in 2020 but they couldn’t say a proper goodbye to fans due to COVID-19. At the 2021 US Open, they got the send-off they deserved with a pre-match ceremony at Arthur Ashe stadium. Micaela Bryan, Bob Bryan’s daughter sang the national anthem.
The twin brother won 119 doubles titles, including 18 grand slam titles. They finished the year as year-end number one for a record 10 times. The doubles pair was a hit among fans and elevated the visibility of doubles events with their competitive play.
The Bryan brothers’ longtime Davis Cup teammate James Blake spoke about the passion the brothers brought to every Davis Cup match.
I had the pleasure and the privilege to be teammates with them on a Davis Cup team 11 times, and I’ll tell you, the greatest feeling in sports is kicking your feet up and watching Bob and Mike Bryan compete on that Saturday in Davis Cup. You have the utmost confidence that they compete so hard for every one of those points, every one of those matches, and they win, every single time.
– James Blake
Bob and Mike Bryan looked back on their career and were grateful for the support they received throughout their career.
It’s really a dream come true to be back on this court, We came into this site the first time as 17-year-old skinny kids, and to think that we won our 100th title on this court and here again tonight, having this honor, it’s truly amazing.
– Bob Bryan
It was always a dream to play on this court, but it was also a dream of ours to play Davis Cup, It’s fitting that we have our captain Patrick McEnroe, our teammate James Blake. Patrick, thank you for trusting in us, making us the team, and helping our dreams come true.
– Mike Bryan
In addition to the Bryan family, the ceremony was attended by former USA Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe, USTA President Mike McNulty, USTA CEO Mike Dowse, and US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster.