Bryans will bounce back, says coach

 

Originally published on: 01/02/12 10:21

Bob and Mike Bryan will bounce straight back from their Australian Open final defeat to Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek, according to their coach Paul Macpherson.

The American twins were beaten 7-6 6-2 by the Indian-Czech pairing and consequently missed out on their sixth Australian Open crown in seven years.

But any suggestion that the Bryans were beaten by the thought of drawing level with all-time leaders John Newcombe and Tony Roach on 12 Grand Slams couldn’t be further from the truth, says Macpherson.

“Leander and Radek played extremely sharply and Mike and Bob were just a little off their best for whatever reason,” the 35-year-old Australian told tennishead.

“They’ve had so many pressure situations along the road – to tie eleven slams or to get the most titles and stuff – I don’t think there was any more pressure than their normally is,” he said. “Every Grand Slam is a high stakes affair.

“I would say that’s just life and that’s just sport. They’ve played so many monstrous matches they understand what it takes to win when everything is on the line.”

Paes completed his long-awaited career Grand Slam following a fine run with singles specialist Stepanek and the pair look set to form a formidable partnership this season.

“I’ve got to tip my hat to them,” Bob said after the defeat. “They played pretty well. They’re going to be a tough team this year.”

The younger twin by two minutes, Bob could be forgiven if his mind was elsewhere during the final, since the showpiece match coincided with the due date for his wife Michelle to have their first child.

“Obviously it’s disappointing [to lose] but I have something to look forward to going home, so my mind is going to get off the match a lot quicker than it usually would after a final like this,” he added, before hopping on a plane straight back to Miami.

It wasn’t until this morning though that his daughter, Micaela – a tribute to brother Mike – was born.

“We’re all happy he made it back,” said Macpherson. “It was a tough thing for him to go through and I’m really glad it worked out well.”

New Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka was one of the first to congratulate Bob on becoming a father, tweeting: “Bobby congrats!!! So happy for you and your family.”

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