Camarillo’s Bryan Leaves Henman Stunned

Twins Bob and Mike Bryan were busy eating outside the dressing room at Queen’s Club, and the identity of Bob’s next opponent was discussed.

Was it Max Mirnyi or Todd Martin?

“Who cares?” said Bob, resuming his late lunch.

Good question. Especially after Bob recorded the biggest singles victory of his young career, beating Tim Henman, 7-6 (2), 6-4, in the second round at The Stella Artois Championships on grass.

Grass, of course, is Henman’s best surface. The two-time Wimbledon semifinalist and great Brit hope lost to Pete Sampras in the final at Queen’s last year.

Bob Bryan, 22, of Camarillo, is playing in only his second ATP Tour event this year. He needed three victories in qualifying to reach the main draw. Against Henman, Bryan served seven aces, saved five of six break points, and clinched the victory on his fourth match point, jumping in the air to celebrate.

“It was the best atmosphere I ever played in, being here in front of these British fans is something I’ll remember the rest of my life,” Bob Bryan said.

Said Henman, ranked 14th in the world to Bryan’s 202: “There is no reason, no excuse for it. It’s disappointing to have this type of result. It’s fair to say I lost to a better player. He was the one who looked comfortable out there.”

With his left-handed serve, Bryan did appear quite natural on grass. He had been playing so much on clay lately, he joked he played his qualifying matches like a clay-courter, staying on the baseline.

“I got better and better the more matches I played. I’m serving and volleying more,” he said. “My volleys are sharpening up a little bit.

“My serves seem to slide on the grass, which is tough for people to read and return, being a lefty. Wayne Arthurs has the same type of serve, but bigger. Mine is a mini-Wayne Arthurs serve.”

The twins are just starting to hit their stride, according to their coach and father, Wayne.

“Some players mature early,” Wayne said. “They are 22 going on 17.

“They don’t even shave.”