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WILTON, Conn. For one afternoon, the atmosphere at the Lake Club in Wilton was like Wimbledon or the U.S. Open, as a crowd of more than 200 welcomed professional doubles team, Olympians and twin brothers Mike and Bob Bryan for a spirited exhibition on Saturday.
The duo came to Fairfield County fresh off their gold medal-winning effort in the London Olympics and ahead of the U.S. Open in Flushing, N.Y., this week. The brothers are widely considered the greatest mens doubles team of all time, having tied the all-time record for most wins in a major (11).
Weve won all the [grand] slams, but theres no greater feeling than winning that, Bob Bryan said of their Olympic victory. We can see that in the reaction of fans saying theyre proud of us. Weve never seen that after winning a [grand] slam [event].
The exhibition supported several charities, including Norwalk Grassroots Tennis, which introduces the game to children in need. The brothers also gave instruction to boys and girls of Norwalk Grassroots Tennis in front of the crowd.
The gallery of more than 200 people was clearly appreciative of the talent that rolled through town, responding to the match with many oohs and ahhs. The Bryans edged Australians Ashley Fisher (4-time pro doubles champion) and Jordan Kerr (2008 Olympian) in two sets, 7-5, 6-3.
Its amazing to have such professionals here right in Wilton, Lake Club Public Relations Director Cynthia Brandt said. Its such a great service to the community to see them play. It was a great turnout.
Even with more than 700 professional wins and about every championship that exists under their belt, the Bryan brothers arent ready to call it a career just yet.
Wed love to break the majors record. Were tied right now with 11. Wed love to win the U.S. Open, being Americans, Mike Bryan said. Theres always the next thing. I think were going to try to shoot for Rio [in 2016] and then probably hang it up.
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