Ace Tennis Duo the Bryan Brothers Talk Sunscreen, Nerves, & Finding Their Own Styles
Doubles tennis champs (they are ranked number one in the world) Bob and Mike Bryan have a friendly competition going on. (Photo: Instagram)
Even though they are twins, have a ton of respect for each other, Doubles tennis champs (they are ranked number one in the world) Bob and Mike Bryan have a friendly competition going on. “I think it would be incredibly unusual for brothers, let alone twin brothers, to not be competitive with each other,” says Mike, crediting their competitive nature to getting them where they are today. “In tennis especially, we always wanted to be better and beat each other. We knew as youngsters that if we didn’t work as hard as we could each and every day, that one of us would break away from the other. As twin brothers, that just is not an option.”
They kept pushing each other, and their aggressive work ethic has served (pun intended) them well. The Bryan Brothers, 37, have earned 106 doubles titles, achieved 16 career Grand Slams and won nearly $26 million in combined prize money. They admit to spending some of that cash on fun grooming products and spa treatments. “I’ve spent over $100 on vintage shaving kits, and we’ve invested countless dollars on massages over the years,” admits Bob. While they play in unison, they do have different styles. “When we were young we tried slightly different haircuts, different clothes, and I wore a beaded necklace for a few years on tour,” says Bob. “Now we’re older and more mature, and have grown into very different people with differing personalities and preferences. Mike is the more serious, meticulous one, while I am a little more creative, messy and relaxed. We stay pretty clean shaven for the most part, although Mike has been sporting a bit of stubble lately.”
Regardless of beards, hairstyles, clothing or accessory choices, sunscreen is one thing they’re always sporting. “Mike lives in California, and I live in Florida, so we both spend a lot of time in the sun,” says Bob. “Before and during practice we apply sunscreen high in SPF.” Bob estimates they use at least an average size tube every week. Their favorite products are Dr. Ronald Moy’s DNAEGF Renewal skincare products, which they use religiously. “You can never apply too often or go overboard when it comes to using sunscreen and protecting your skin.”
Winning and playing their very best isn’t all fun and games and sunshine. Anxiety and a weight come with success. “Pressure never really goes away, and is certainly not something you ever conquer,” says Mike. “It is something that we have become accustomed to feeling. What’s important is how you manage those nerves.” The two deal with the pressure by over-preparing for tournaments. “We feel that if we are the most prepared team on the court every match, it’s all about how we perform on the day. We can only do our best.”
The duo is game-ready thanks to their intense training schedule, which has changed a lot over the years. When first they started playing as youngsters, the two had similar fitness regimens. “Now that we’re a bit older, wiser, and know our bodies a lot better, we’ve tailored our workouts to our specific needs,” says Mike. “Both of our workouts involve an incredible amount of core, shoulder, back and legs. I include a lot more stretching and yoga than Bob, as my body is a little more injury prone. He focuses on a lot more generic strength-based training.”
Following their hard work, the wins keep coming. This year, the brothers are looking to place in this year’s U.S. Open championship match to defend their title. “Last year was incredibly special for us, winning our 100th career title. We would love to pick up right where we left off in front of the amazing New York crowds and put ourselves in contention once again,” says Bob.
Off the court, the guys divide their free time among family, friends and hobbies, like everyday normal people. “I try to spend as much time as I can with my wife and kids when I’m not playing tennis. I also enjoy putting together GoPro videos documenting our travels and family life,” says Bob. “As a team, we play a lot of music; Mike on the guitar, while I’m on the keyboard and drums.”
In addition to their pick-up jam sessions, the guys are foodies. On August 27th, the California-born twins will attend the The Taste of Tennis Gala at the W New York. “This year, we will be co-hosting the event with chef Marc Murphy and Andi Dorfman, from the Bachelorette,” says Mike. “It is great fun and has become one of the country’s premier food meets tennis events.”
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