Men's Tennis: Bryan Brothers Continue to Break Doubles Records

While most of the tennis world focused on the resurgence of US Open finalists Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka, who captured titles in Beijing last week, they weren’t the ones breaking records. 

Mike Bryan captured his 84th career doubles title at the China Open with brother Bob, defeating Carlos Berlocq and Denis Istomin 6-3 and 6-2. 

Mike Bryan set a new record for most career doubles titles after surpassing Todd Woodbridge’s 83. His brother Bob, on the other hand, is currently at 82 titles. 

Those two extra wins came in 2002 when Mike Bryan partnered up with Mahesh Bhupathi to win Long Island, and also Mark Knowles at Nottingham.

"It's obviously an honor to hold this prestigious record," said Mike Bryan (via ATP World Tour). "There are some incredible names towards the top of this list and it's humbling to be in such elite company."

The dynamic duo also made headlines this past month by capturing their 12th Grand Slam title, thus surpassing Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde with the most Grand Slams of any doubles team in the Open Era, but tying with John Newcombe and Tony Roche overall. In August, they captured their first gold medals at the London Olympics. 

What other records have the brothers broken? They have finished year-end no. 1 for a record seven times in the past nine years. They are the only doubles team to win 700-plus matches, a feat that they accomplished last summer in Montreal. They have the most tour titles together among any doubles team, just winning their 82nd-career title last Sunday.

The two have also been the saving grace of the US Davis Cup team, racking up a 21-2 record since they began representing the U.S. in 2003, often getting the win on the brink of elimination.  

Despite their slight setback in Shanghai, losing earlier this week, the Bryan brothers have qualified for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London, hoping to capture their eighth title this year and fourth overall season-ending championship.