Bryans overpower Llodra/Tsonga to capture gold medal – London Olympics 2012
In the battle for gold, top seeded Bryan Brothers triumphed over the French tandem of Michael Llodra and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets at the London Olympics 2012 on Saturday. Bob and Mike recorded a 6-4, 7-6(2) victory against the second seeds to
grab the gold medal at Games of x*x Olympiad held in Wimbledon, Great Britain.
The American twins warded off late resistance to outclass Llodra and Tsonga in their first encounter. After earning the limelight in one hour and 28 minutes, Bob and Mike delightedly grabbed their first gold medal at this major sports event held after every
four years.
"This is the biggest win of our career right here," the delighted Bob was quoted. "It's unbelievable. [Match point was] a blur. All I remember I was in the corner, throwing up a lob, trying to hang in there somehow. I know we were up 6-2 in the breaker but
you lose that one and things start to get a little tight."
Bob and Mike thundered into the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. They got coveted and the only break of the match in the opening game and took the initial lead. The Americans swiped their entire serves with conviction and sealed the opener by winning
six games to four.
The twins required 39 minutes to capture the opening set. They withstood 18 winners but amazingly brushed off all six breakpoints they faced to keep their entire serves.
The highest ranked pair of the tournament, Bryans carried their momentum in the following set and held their opening serve to level the scores at 1-1. They continued hitting exquisite shots and easily held their remaining serves. Despite failing to get the
breakthrough, the Americans dragged the set to a tie-breaker. Bob and Mike cruised to a 4-1 lead in it before clicking the set with a 7-6(2) score line. The brothers brought their experience into handy, consequently dominating the set in 49 minutes.
Llodra and Tsonga on the other hand were disappointed after their final round loss but were happy to grab the silver medal.
"It was our dream for us to win one medal,” Llodra commented. “It's second place but it's huge. Even if we lost today it's a big moment."
Tsonga reflected, "It's really something big and we will never forget this moment."
The Bryans are now looking forward to carry their momentum in the Emirates Airline US Open Series tournaments and at the US Open.
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