The Bryan Brothers are undoubtedly the most successful doubles team in tennis history. The current world No. 1 has finished the year as the top rank nine times in the last eleven years (with the exception of 2004 and 2008), accumulating 15 Grand Slam titles and a career golden slam, making them the winnningest men’s doubles team in the history of the sport. Together, they have won close to $23m in prize money, and hold the US Davis Cup doubles team record at 21-4.
But their talents do not end there.
Off the court, Mike plays the guitar and Bob the keyboard as part of the Bryan Bros. Band, a band led by their father Wayne. Most recently on March 6, 2014 the band featuring former American Idol star, Michael Johns, Counting Crows drummer, Jim Bogios, and Hollywood singer, George Holdcroft, performed for a 2,500 strong audience in Indian Wells.
But what’s the one thing they aren’t asked about enough?
“The Bryan Bros. Foundation,” they reply in an interview in with World Tennis Magazine in 2011.
Skip to 2:28 to listen to Mike and Bob talk about the foundation!
The Bryan Bros. Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to support and develop the dreams of children in Ventura County (the Bryan Brothers’ community) and around the world. Their mission is to identify and support charities and causes that help at-risk youth survive and thrive, seeking out specific families and children in need and working with them directly to ensure that they have the opportunities they need to succeed.
In doing so, the foundation promotes the ideals of sports, and tennis in particular, to emphasize the values of hard work, dedication and perseverance – values Mike and Bob Bryan have channeled into both their professional and personal lives.
“We actually sponsor some kids that can’t afford to play tournaments. We give them racquets, pay for their entry fees to tournaments,” said Bob Bryan. “We try to inspire them and give them the chance to get to this level one day and get them in programs after school that keeps them out of trouble.”
Locally, the Four Bridges Country Club partners with the brothers to raise money that also filters to other charities. Each year the Bryans put on a tennis clinic and show off their musical talents.
“Play some music, do a clinic, everyone here is contributing to our foundation which means the world to us,” said Bob Bryan.
In October 2010, the Bryans put on The Bryan Brothers’ Grand Slam Jam and Benefit Concert to support The Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program and The Bryan Bros. Foundation.
The Benefit Concert featured performances from Pete Yorn, Lisa Loeb, Brett Dennen, Hedley, the stars of Bascom Hill, Griffith Frank, Michael Johns, and the Bryan Brothers Band; while the tennis tournament the following day was supported by Sam Querrey, Mardy Fish, Lindsay Davenport and Vania King.
Bryan Bros. Foundation benefit will have Sam Querrey, Lindsay Davenport http://lat.ms/cqBXf0
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) October 15, 2010
In 2011 nearly $100, 000 was raised by the Bryan Bros. Foundation for the Ventura County Junior Tennis Association and the Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons. Former American Idol contestant Michael Johns sang hits like “With Or Without You” by U2, “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Great Balls of Fire” while Counting Crows member Jim Bogios rocked the drums and and composer James Slater banged away on the keyboards.
Signed racquets donated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Fish and the Bryan Bros were donated for auction during the weekend.
In 2012, the Bryan Bros. Foundation met the high standards set the previous year by nearly hitting $100, 000 worth of donations in an event graced by Gavin Rossdale of the band “Bush” and former ATP touring pros Rick Leach and Jeff Tarango.
“Bob and Mike always take time from their crazy schedule to host their Foundation event and give back to so many kid’s charities in need of funding,” said Tennis Fest organizer Dave McKinney.
For their off the court humanitarian efforts, Mike and Bob Bryan were presented with the World Affairs Council’s Global Humanitarian Citizens of the Year Award in 2011.
“Mike and Bob are living examples of the ‘True Gentlemen’,” said F. Joseph Halcomb III of Camarillo, who presented the award to them during their Cool Planet Tennis Fest Gala Dinner. “In fact, some would call them giants – both on and off the court – as pro athletes and as human beings.”
“It’s important for us to give back to the community,” Bob Bryan said. “To be recognized with this honor is great and we are happy to accept it from the World Affairs Council.”
In 2014 alone, the team has won five successive tournaments and went on a 21-match winning streak en route to winning their 29th Masters 1000th crown, 4th consecutive Masters 1000th tournament and 98th doubles title as a team.
Bryan Brothers Win Monte Carlo, Only Americans In The Draw…http://t.co/UHyPWKgeW7 @Bryanbros @Bryanbrothers #montecarlo #tennis
— 10sBalls (@10sBalls_com) April 20, 2014
But their success on the court is mirrored by their success off it.
“Success isn’t defined just by winning tennis matches. Success also means giving something back – to their colleagues, their community and to their country,” Halcomb said, a sentiment clearly embodied by Mike and Bob Bryan.
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