Men's Tennis: 5 Key takeaways from the 2018 ATP Finals

#1 Mike Bryan at 40 is playing some of his best tennis

Jack Sock and Mike Bryan with the 2018 Nitto ATP Finals Trophy

Mike Bryan and his twin Bob had contemplated retirement at the end of the 2017 Australian Open owing to a string of below-par performances. The greatest Doubles pair of all-time looked a shadow of their illustrious past going into the 2017 season. Their last Grand Slam had come at the 2014 US Open.

At the end of the Australian Open of 2017, Mike told his brother Bob that they put the retirement talk on hold at least until the end of the US Open that year. Remarkably, the most successful Doubles pairing of all-time, regained their stupendous form in 2018 winning the Miami Masters and the Monte Carlo Masters.

They were on the cusp of becoming the oldest pair to rise to the Top of the ATP Doubles rankings. However, an injury forced Bob to retire midway through their finals match at the Madrid Masters robbing them of their 3rd Masters title of the year and the number 1 ranking.

With Bob sidelined due to injury, Mike was forced to look at other options and eventually teamed up with fellow American Jack Sock. Much to the surprise of everyone, the American pair struck a chord and forged a successful partnership winning Wimbledon, US Open and the ATP Finals titles.

Mike who rose to the top of the ATP rankings for the first time way back in 2003 is now the oldest player to be ranked as the Top player in Doubles. He became the oldest winner of the ATP Finals title at the age of 40.

With Bob Bryan back in training and rearing to compete in the 2019 season, Mike and Sock have mutually decided to end their hugely successful partnership. The return of the Bryan twins is sure to make the 2019 Doubles season a treat to watch.