"Now it's time to get the girl": Mike Bryan wants his own mixed team

Last November, Bob and Mike Bryan announced on Tennis Channel Live that 2020 would be their final season on the ATP tour. Over the first nine weeks of this year, the American twins enjoyed a memorable sendoff at the Australian Open, successfully defended their title in Delray Beach and suited up for one last Davis Cup rubber in Honolulu before their plans, like everyone else’s, were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the Bryans, a continued victory lap at their favorite American tour stops was taken away, but in return, both have cherished invaluable family time together. Four days before their birthday, Mike joined his brother in fatherhood when wife Nadia gave birth to their son, Jake.

“I think he’s going to be a righty, unfortunately. I wish he had that left slicer,” Mike joked on Tuesday with Mark Knowles and Brett Haber. “I’m having a blast, it’s the best. It’s good to join the father league, so I’m really pumped to finally do this thing at 42. I waited a little bit. Now it’s time to get the girl. Let’s make it a mixed doubles team.”

Nadia Bryan

As of now, the 16-time major champions are keeping an open mind, with the ATP calendar currently suspended through July 31. In having an extended period away from the rigors of tour life and spending it with those closest to them, the two are confident the stoppage won’t prevent them from resuming in a few months should the climate allow for it.

“We were really looking forward to Indian Wells, Miami, Houston and then playing those Grand Slams one last time. We’re not getting any younger, as you know. But the bodies are feeling fresh,” said Bob. “We’ve had all this time off, just to relax, reflect [and] spend time with our families. We’ve had 10 weeks with them, which has been a blessing. As far as retirement, we’ll have to see what happens this summer.”

The duo has spent the quarantine together in Camarillo, Calif., though as Mike alluded to, that dynamic is set to change with Bob and his family of five heading back to Florida in a couple of days. For the new dad, he’ll continue focusing on the priority right in front of him.

“These nights aren’t the smoothest nights, for sure,” said Mike. “Nadia’s been getting the graveyard shift. I’ve been doing the mornings. Just gotta keep this little guy alive, get him through the first couple weeks.”