ShareThisThey could say the losses were intentional to provide a heartwarming story of childhood loyalty.
Rather than breaking the all-time record for most doubles titles at a Grand Slam event, Bob and Mike Bryan of Camarillo, Calif., could say they were waiting to do it in their own backyard in front of family and friends.
They could create that perception, but it would be a total lie.
"The plan was to break it at the French Open, and we didn't. Then, it was to break it at Wimbledon, and we didn't," Bob said. "So at this point, we will take it anywhere."
But if the Bryans could pick a tournament outside of a Grand Slam to break the record with career title No. 62, it would be in Los Angeles.
The 32-year-old identical twins have that chance this week at the Farmers Classic at the Los Angeles Tennis Center on the campus of UCLA.
The Bryans are the defending champions, and have won five of the event's last nine doubles titles.
"It is kind of extra special to have the opportunity to break the record in our hometown," Mike said. "That has been on our mind right now and motivating us to work hard. We have really fond memories at that tournament with the amount of titles we have won there."
The Bryans remain tied with Australians Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge for the most ATP Tour career doubles titles in the Open era with 61.
They equaled the Woodies by winning the Madrid Open title in May, and have had two chances to pull ahead. But the Bryans lost in the second round of the French Open and were ousted in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon.
Despite the appearance, the Bryans insist the record hasn't generated any additional pressure.
"Tying it was the big pressure release because we know we are part of the record and we are sharing it with the Woodies," Mike said. "Plus, I foresee us playing another four to five years and there will be a lot of chances to get it - another 100 tournaments maybe. I don't think there is a rush, but it would be nice to knock it out as soon as possible."
Even with another title, the Bryans won't automatically claim to be the greatest doubles team of all time.
"The Woodies and us are two totally different teams and the game has changed so much, so it's hard to compare," Mike said. "We are playing in a more mixed era between singles and doubles players playing, and I don't know if it's tougher now or when they were playing."
Added Bob: "It's the age-old question like comparing Pete Sampras to Rod Laver. There are so many differences now. Just to be considered in their league is an honor because we have looked up to those guys. It's hard to ever say you are better than your idols."
For all the talk about being No. 1 on the all-time wins list, the Bryans are still seeking to reclaim their No. 1 ranking in the world. They are currently ranked No. 2 behind Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic.
"The race is going to be back and forth when you have a team as good as Nestor and Zimonjic. Nobody is going to hold it the entire year and run the table," Bob said. "There are a lot of trophies still to be had, and we know we have to kick it into high gear."
Since returning to Camarillo last week, the Bryans have been enjoying the comforts of home. On their first day back, they worked out in their garage with trainer Gary Paul, staged an impromptu jam session in their music room, chased a rabbit around their yard and engaged in a game of hacky sack - all in the span of two hours.
It could be one of the last times the Bryans stay under the same roof. The twins are taking gradual steps toward separation.
They have established separate bank accounts, and have started looking for separate houses in Camarillo as well.
They have already been living apart while in Florida, as Mike stays at their house near Tampa, while Bob lives in Miami with his girlfriend Michelle Alvarez.
"It's been good for us to kind of divide," Mike said. "When you get to this age and have serious girlfriends, it can be a source of tension when you see Bob go out and buy a really nice present for his girlfriend and know that you paid for half of it."
The Bryans have cashed in this year with five titles, including the Australian Open. Now comes the U.S. portion of the season, and they wouldn't mind launching it with a record-breaking feat in Los Angeles.
"We try hard everywhere, but you always want to put a little extra effort into this one," Bob said. "It's important to us to play well for the people who get to see us play live maybe once a year."
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(Rhianon Potkey writes for the Ventura County Star in California)
