Star doubles pairing Mike and Bob Bryan say they are "embarrassed" they have failed to deliver on their show-stopping reputation following their first round exit at the Heineken Open.
The Auckland tournament yesterday lost another exciting drawcard, with the world number one team suffering a shock loss to Dutchman Rogier
Wassen and Horacio Zeballos.
While many have lamented the lack of star quality in the singles draw, the colourful Bryan brothers were at least expected to provide spectators with plenty of entertainment in the doubles.
The pair, known for their showmanship and chest-pumping antics, drew in a healthy crowd to centre court for their first-round match-up, all eager to see the star pair in action. But there was to be no signature "belly-bashing" celebrations from the American twins, with Wassen and Zeballos never allowing their more-fancied opponents to get into their rhythm.
After losing the first set 4-6, the Dutch journeymen and the Argentinian, who were pairing up for the first time, fought back to win the second and force a super tiebreak. From there, the momentum stayed with Wassen and Zeballos, who went on to win the tiebreak 10-6.
Bob Bryan said he and his twin brother were disappointed to produce such a lacklustre showing in their first outing in Auckland for 10 years.
"Obviously it's a little bit embarrassing, some people were looking forward to seeing us play and a lot of people were only seeing us play for the first time and they're probably like 'you know, these guys are nothing special'," he said.
"You always want to bring your best stuff every time you step on the court, unfortunately today was pretty stinky."
Organisers had also hoped the twins' band - The Bryan Brothers Band - would appear at the Baseline after party following Saturday's finals.
But the pair now plan to head to Melbourne to begin their preparations for next week's Australian Open, where, despite their disappointing showing in Auckland, Bob Bryan is confident they can bounce back strongly.
