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The Bryan Brothers to play Campbell’s HoF

January 30, 2012

NEWPORT, R.I. — Bob and Mike Bryan, the world’s No. 1 doubles team, have committed to compete in the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, which will be hosted July 9 – 15, 2012 on the historic grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Among the most popular players in pro tennis today, the identical twins have finished the season ranked world No. 1 seven of the past eight years, and have shattered numerous tennis records throughout their career. They hold the record for the most wins by a doubles team in tennis history, having earned 76 titles, and they have spent more weeks ranked world No.1 (278) than any other team in history. Olympic medalists and Davis Cup champions, the Bryans have won 11 Grand Slam titles, positioning them as tied with Hall of Famers Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde for the most doubles titles at the slams during the Open Era. This will be the third appearance in Newport for the brothers, who count two Newport victories (2001, 2002) among their 76 career titles.

“Playing at the International Tennis Hall of Fame is always a special experience, and we’re really looking forward to returning this summer,” said Mike, the elder twin by 2 minutes. “Coming off Wimbledon, it will be great to keep going on grass courts for a bit longer this summer.”

The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is hosted in the week after Wimbledon, and it is the only tournament played on grass courts outside of Europe. Tickets for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships are on sale now on www.tennisfame.com or by calling 866-914-FAME (3263). Fans looking to see the dynamic duo in action can save on tickets by purchasing now. Through February 12, a Ticket Twosome special is available — buy two tickets for any one session, Monday – Thursday, and save $2 per ticket. The promo code to access the discount is TWINS. Members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the history of the sport, save $5 on all Monday – Thursday tournament tickets, and details on how to become a Member are also available on tennisfame.com.

“Bob and Mike are among the most exciting players on the ATP World Tour, and we are thrilled to welcome them back to Newport,” said Tournament Director Mark L. Stenning. “They join a great field for Newport this year, with returning champion John Isner committed to play, along with rising star Milos Raonic. New England tennis fans can certainly look forward to an exciting week of pro tennis at the Hall of Fame.”

During this summer’s tournament, memorabilia from historic moments in the Bryans’ career will be on display in the Museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame for visitors to enjoy. The pair have been featured in doubles exhibitions produced by the Museum in the past, and over the course of their career, memorabilia from their various historic achievements has been donated to the Museum. For example, items in the collection include Bob Bryan’s outfit, Mike Bryan’s racquet, and a tennis ball all from their victory at the 2010 Farmers Classic in Los Angeles, when they won their 62nd title, to set a new record of the most wins by a doubles team in history (previously held by Woodbridge and Woodforde).

Coming off a banner year in 2011, the Bryans have started out the 2012 season on a high note, winning the title at the Apia International Sydney and competing in the finals of the Australian Open. Last year, the twins added eight ATP World Tour titles to their record, including two Grand Slam tournament victories (Australian Open and Wimbledon.) Also, the Bryans earned an Olympic gold medal at Beijing in 2008, and they were members of the USA’s championship Davis Cup team in 2007. On top of their 11 major doubles titles as a team, Bob has two additional major titles, having partnered with Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova to win the 2006 US Open Mixed Doubles title, and with Liezel Huber to win the same title in 2010.

The brothers began playing tennis at the age of 2 and had highly successful junior and collegiate (Stanford) tennis careers. They began winning matches and earning attention on the ATP World Tour almost as soon as they started competing in the late 1990s. The pair had their first highly successful year in 2001, winning four titles, including Newport, making it to their first Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon and finishing the season ranked No. 7. By 2003, they earned the year-end No. 1 ranking and they haven’t looked back since, achieving the top spot every year since, except 2004.

Regarded as the most prolific doubles team in tennis history, the brothers have been credited with generating interest and excitement for the doubles game. The dynamic duo have been named ATP World Tour Fans’ Favorite Doubles Team for the seven years in a row— all of the years the award has been available.

For additional information about the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships and to order tickets, please call the Tournament Office at 866-914-FAME (3263) or visit tennisfame.com.