Bryan Brothers: Even when they lose, they're winning

The Bryan Brothers are so good that even when they lose, they win.

Bob and Mike Bryan fell in the semis of the World Tour Finals 6-4, 6-4 to Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau on Saturday evening. But the defending champions’ disappointment was at least put on temporary hold when they were immediately honored with two ATP awards.

The Bryans won both the Fans Favorite Award and Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for 2015. They were named the Fans Favorite for a record 11th time in their careers.
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“The Fan Favorite award is a trophy that we always treasure,” Bob assured. “It is really important to us to have the fans vote and their support. We’re always trying to give back, sign the extra autograph, put on a good show for the people around the world. It’s nice that they recognize that.”

As for the humanitarian accolade, it was not as expected–at least not by Bob and Mike, themselves. But it was well-deserved. They won it for their Bryan Brothers Foundation, which raises money for dozens of beneficiaries. The foundation’s mission is to “support and grow the dreams of children” by “identifying and supporting charities and causes that help at-risk youth survive and thrive.”

“That came out of the blue; kind of a surprise,” Mike explained. “Didn’t know we were in the running for it. We’re proud of our charity work, the Bryan Brothers Foundation. We’re doing all we can to help kids survive and thrive and expose them to arts, athletics and academics, set them up in their lives, (and) help them achieve their dreams. We’re going to keep doing that.”

Still, the brothers will leave without what would have been a third trophy had they won their match on Saturday. The year-end No. 1 doubles ranking all came down to their semifinal against Rojer and Tecau. As a result, Rojer and Tecau will finish 2015 in the top spot, with the Bryans second.
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“They came out here today and played confident,” Bob reflected. “That’s why they’re holding up the trophy. That doesn’t mean that we’re going anywhere. We’re going to come back next year stronger, healthier and hungrier.”

That sounds like bad news for the rest of the tour.