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Bryans one win from 12th Grand Slam title


 

Originally published on: 26/01/12 11:24

Bob and Mike Bryan moved to within one win of a record-equalling 12th Grand Slam title after saving a match point against Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau.

The American twins admitted they were a little fortunate but played their best tennis towards the end to come through 4-6 6-3 7-6(5) and set up a crunch final against Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek.

“I think we maybe got a little lucky. Played kind of our best tennis at the very end. They’re a big serving team. It’s tough,” said Mike.

Currently tied with Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde on 11 Grand Slams, the Bryans will become the most successful doubles team in the open era if they win a record-breaking sixth Australian Open title. They will also draw level with 12-time Grand Slam champions John Newcombe and Tony Roache.

Saturday is a day of doubly huge importance for Bob, whose wife is due to give birth to their first child. The 33-year-old left-hander will catch a flight straight home to Miami after the final and has banned his wife from watching he and Mike compete in Melbourne.

“I’ve been telling her, ‘don’t watch the match: it will get your heart rate going and you might spit that baby out’,” he said with a grin.

“It’s going to be tight the next couple of days, especially with the nerves. She’s not getting out of bed. She can see the finish line. She knows she’s a few days away from me coming home. She’s not going to risk it, not now.”

Brother Mike, meanwhile, will have to do without his brother for America’s upcoming Davis Cup clash with Switzerland in February.

“Obviously I’m going to miss Bob. I’m most comfortable playing with him,” said Mike. “But you know, Mardy [Fish] and John Isner, whoever is on the team, they can play doubles. So it’s a challenge to suit up with one of those guys.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.