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It's the end of a long and legendary era in men's doubles, with Bob and Mike Bryan—owners of 16 Grand Slam titles together in 22 years of professional tennis—having played their last tournament, The New York Timesfirst reported.

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"We weren’t in this last year to just play the matches and to get points or to make money," Bob told the Times. "It was to really say our thank-yous to everybody and feel the atmosphere one last time."

Thus, this year's US Open, which the twins had initially planned as their farewell event, couldn't be the perfect send-off they'd hoped for. Still, they were victorious in their last two events, taking the title in Delray Beach, Fla., this February and winning their final rubber with the U.S. Davis Cup team.

Known not only for their record-setting dominance but also for their popularity among fans and fellow players alike, the Bryans received all kinds of congratulations after their immediate retirement became public.

American champions ...

2 unbelievable champions. There will be a void left in the sport. @Bryanbros and @Bryanbrothers go out as the greatest doubles team ever and I couldn’t be more proud to have been Davis Cup teammates with them. https://t.co/ombZx29gAu
— James Blake (@JRBlake) August 27, 2020

Congrats @Bryanbrothers @Bryanbros on a @TennisHalloFame career! Bob & Mike had great fan connection w/ infectious positivity & exciting games. Enjoy next chapter w/ your families. 🏆🍀
— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) August 27, 2020

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Bob and Mike - See you in Newport in 5 years #HOF Been an honor to watch, play against, with and Captain @Bryanbros @Bryanbrothers
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) August 27, 2020

Doubles icons ...

Congrats @bryanbros @Bryanbrothers on the game changing careers. I have a lot of these pics where I finished second regardless of whom I played with and no doubt I would have been a lot lot more successful if you… https://t.co/JqipsTaZ0t
— Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) August 27, 2020

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Congratulations Bob & Mike on this very extrodinaray career of yours. @bryanbros @Bryanbrothers
I personally have learnt so much from you both - on court either playing against you or watching you play. And off court… https://t.co/DJCyRbmLOJ
— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) August 28, 2020

Congrats @Bryanbros @Bryanbrothers on an incredible career, your class, sportsmanship and record means you are true legends of our game. Such great ambassador’s and look forward to seeing you in Newport at @TennisHalloFame
— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) August 28, 2020

Legends of our sport! Thank you guys! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @Bryanbros @Bryanbrothers
— Ken Skupski 🏡 (@k_skupski) August 27, 2020

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Tennis presenters ...

Standing O for @Bryanbrothers & @Bryanbros — not just for their unparalleled parallel careers, but for being tireless promoters of the sport and endlessly kind, accessible & enthusiastic. Did it right from start to finish. Won everything and touched millions. Bravo boys.
— Brett Haber (@BrettHaber) August 27, 2020

Legends. Will miss having these two around. @Bryanbros @Bryanbrothers https://t.co/GTcUO6hpTh
— Blair Henley (@BlairHenley) August 27, 2020

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And current players all sent the brothers warm goodbyes on Twitter.

Congrats on a legendary career👏🏼👏🏼 @Bryanbros @Bryanbrothers https://t.co/LfdoU4DP9T
— Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) August 27, 2020

Got to know these guys over the many years together on Tour — great energy on and off the court !Hope we can still practice together sometime — enjoy retirement @Bryanbrothers @Bryanbros & the time with your beautiful families ! pic.twitter.com/qIrx2Z3gQo
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) August 27, 2020

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Congratulations on your incredible careers 👏🏻 🙌🏻 We will miss watching you play ! @Bryanbros @Bryanbrothers #legends https://t.co/SJgxVnCkx0
— Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) August 27, 2020

The Bryan brothers' achievements likely won't be matched in this lifetime, if ever. What might be equally hard to replicate is their impact as leading personalities in the doubles discipline.