Tribute: Mike Bryan Returns To No. 1 In ATP Doubles Rankings

Almost 15 years after first reaching the summit of the team game (8 September 2003), Mike Bryan is once again at No. 1 in the ATP Doubles Rankings. One of the sport’s best returners and volleyers has vaulted seven spots from No. 8 to No. 1.

Today marks Mike’s 455th week in the top spot (extending his own record), his 13th different stint atop the doubles rankings and the first time he has held the position since 25 October 2013. Mike’s twin brother, Bob Bryan (1 week), Marcelo Melo (56), Jamie Murray (9), Nicolas Mahut (39), Henri Kontinen (26), Lukasz Kubot (19) and the player he replaces, Mate Pavic (8), have all led the individual doubles standings since he was last at No. 1.

At 40 years and 78 days, Mike is the oldest player to rank World No. 1, bettering the previous age record of Canada’s Daniel Nestor, who was 40 years and five days on 9 September 2012.

“To hit No. 1 at 40, it’s a great feeling,” said Mike. “I didn’t think actually I’d get back up there again. Bob and I had a great stretch. Jack and I had a great Wimbledon. It’s really cool to be back on top of the mountain. Now let’s try to fend guys off, see how long I can keep it. It’s a cool feeling.

“Longevity is pretty special, just to be able to play for so long. It’s a cool thing to do. I definitely work hard on the body and the diet. I don’t go out late. I get my sleep. I do everything to keep playing. I’m just happy that I’m still out here at 40.”

TOP 5 MOST WEEKS AT DOUBLES NO. 1

With Bob on the sidelines nursing a hip injury since May this year, Mike called call upon the services of fellow Americans Sam Querrey at Roland Garros and Jack Sock at the Fever-Tree Championships and Wimbledon.

In tandem with Sock, the duo defeated Divij Sharan and Artem Sitak in the quarter-finals of The Championships to guarantee Mike’s return to No. 1 on 16 July. Sock then helped Mike to lift the 119th doubles trophy of his career (d. Klaasen/Venus) and become the oldest man in the Open Era (since April 1968) to win a doubles title at the All England Club.

It was not only Mike’s first title (of any kind) without his twin since 2002, when he partnered Mahesh Bhupathi on Long Island, but also his 17th men’s doubles Grand Slam championship crown, drawing him level with Australia’s John Newcombe at the top of the all-time list. Brother Bob has won 16 majors (all with Mike) and is in a three-way tie for second place with Australians Roy Emerson and Todd Woodbridge.

Prior to Bob’s hip injury in the Mutua Madrid Open final, the Bryan brothers had earned two titles — the Miami Open presented by Itau (d. Khachanov/Rublev) and Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (d. Marach/Pavic) — from five finals (Acapulco, Indian Wells and Madrid) in 2018.

Only Anders Jarryd (107 weeks) has held the top doubles spot on more occasions (14) than the American twins. The Swede spent the last day of his 14th and final stint at No. 1 in the ATP Doubles Rankings on 16 August 1992.