By Joe De Luna :: Photography by Kelsey Grudle
There was much anticipation on the sunny afternoon of Friday, April 5th at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch Tennis Club as members and guests waited for the arrival of the greatest men’s tennis duo of all time. The energy around the tennis courts could be felt as amateur participants and Club pros finished their warm-up and prepared for Mike and Bob Bryan (winners of a staggering 118 titles — the most ever), Ryan Harrison (2017 French Open Doubles Champion) and Marty Fish (former top 20 player and current Davis Cup Captain) to roll into the parking lot so the Pro-Am could begin. Adults and kids alike were wide-eyed and giddy when the brothers and fellow touring pros stepped out of their vehicles and proceeded to the tennis courts.
The Pro-Am began with Wayne Bryan, the brothers’ father, addressing the intimate crowd of around 60. Wayne, a showman himself, started things off by remarking about how beautiful the Ranch is and how thankful they were for the opportunity to play in such a great setting. Introductions were made, the players were paired and just a few moments later, the Pro-Am was under way.
The format was four rounds of doubles with each amateur playing with a Club pro or a touring pro. After the scores were tallied, there was a tie break played for each place with the highlight being the first and second place playoff which pitted the top two amateurs against each other — one playing with Mike Bryan and the other with Bob. This was wildly entertaining as we are all used to them playing with each other, not against. The brothers’ commentary and dialogue before, during and after points was humorous and witty. The crowd laughed, cheered and engaged in friendly banter with the brothers as they went back and forth with amazing shots and their signature chest bump with their amateur partners.
As for the winner? Well, on that day we all felt as if we had won. Their down-to-earth personalities and tennis greatness were constantly on display. All the touring pros were extremely gracious and humble, taking pictures, selfies and signing autographs. The Bryan Brothers and friends truly dazzled the Cordillera crowd from beginning to end. We will look forward to their participation in a future San Antonio Pro Tennis Classic and perhaps a second visit to the Ranch.
Joe De Luna is the Director of Tennis at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at 210.363.9004 or jdeluna@cordilleraranch.com.
