The Southern California weather couldn’t have been any better for a star studded day of tennis for charity at the Malibu Racquet Club October 22. It was the Bryan Brothers, America’s all-time men's doubles team record holders, with the help of their colorful dad Wayne, who made a fundraising tour stop in Malibu that Saturday, en route to a Sunday repeat at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo. All proceeds from the weekend went to the Bryan Bros. Foundation, which funds tennis at the Ventura County Junior Tennis Association, Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons, and children programs around the world.
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The BryanBros web site states “Born three minutes apart, Bob and Mike have been in sync ever since, on and off the court.” It seems no other doubles team in the history of tennis has ever been that much in sync. Pro tennis' all time winning doubles team with 73 pro titles and 11 Grand Slam titles is a fundraising powerhouse determined to support at-risk children in need and to give back to a tennis community that provided them with over 16 million dollars in earnings so far.
The Bryan Brothers’ Foundation states on their web site: "The Bryan Bros. Foundation, a non-profit 501c3 organization, is dedicated to helping support and grow the dreams of children in Ventura County and around the world. The Foundation's mission is to identify and support charities and causes that help at-risk youth survive and thrive. "We seek out specific families and children in need, working with them directly to ensure that they have the opportunities they need to succeed. In everything we do, we will promote the ideals of sports, and tennis in particular, to emphasize the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance."
The Malibu Racquet Club is situated on raised ground overlooking the ocean. The beautiful facility, owned by tennis aficionado and Oracle Billionaire Larry Ellison, is managed by Tray Waltke, a former touring pro whose career spanned more than a decade during the 1970s and 1980s. He defeated four #1 players, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Stan Smith, Ilie Nastase and was consistently ranked in the world's top 50. He also won the World Team Tennis Mixed doubles title with Billie Jean King. Waltke is managing the club with expertise and charm. Obviously happy with the turnout of the Slam Jam and the many tennis and show biz celebrities participating, he is pointing towards the area where his club is planning to expand. Four more courts including a grass court are enabling Malibu Racquet Club members that true Grand Slam feeling. Upon completion of the expansion the club will provide hard courts (US Open), a clay court (French Open), Plexicushion (Australian Open), and grass (Wimbledon).
The Slam Jam afternoon was skillfully MC’d by one of the sport’s greatest showmen, Wayne Bryan, dad to Mike and Bob, and Camarillo resident. The “self-styled tennis cheerleader and the Johnny Appleseed of tennis,” according to the Christian Science Monitor, and “One of the 35 most powerful people in tennis,” (Racquet Magazine) must be the dream MC of every tennis event. He knows everyone and everyone knows Wayne, the only known tennis professional with a law degree. The Los Angeles Times wrote, “… Bryan is more than a good coach. He also is an entertainer who can please the most passive spectator and coax enthusiasm out of the most aloof superstar.”
The Bryan Bros Slam Jam was a feel good party with players wanting to have (and give) a good time. People paying for the Pro-Am played each round with a different pro. The pros did their best to play hard with the top amateurs and keep the ball in play with the not so top players. The audience appreciated it so much, many of the points were rewarded with applause. Players on the pro side included Prakash Amritraj, Tracy Austin, Bob and Mike Bryan, Ken Flach, Justin Gimelstob, Steve Johnson, Ricky Leach, Sandor Noszaly, Chris Ojakian, Sloane Stephens, Chuck Adams, Tony Graham, and Evan Jurgensen.
After the Pro-Am it was showtime when Wayne Bryan orchestrated a Smorgasbord of show tennis at the Malibu Racquet Club. The illustrious group of celebrities alternated partners in doubles match play, entertaining the crowds with quirky shots and funny quips, included
- Pierce Brosnan (brave man for trying to hang in there with some real good tennis players)
- Jon Lovitz (began his match play by serving an ace)
- Donna Mills (talented on and off the court)
- Andrea Jaeger (the woman can still hit – despite her somewhat strange looking outfit)
- Tracy Austin (hasn’t aged a bit, hits the ball with power and skill – and a great sport and entertainer)
- Pam Shriver (looks good even in Jeans on the tennis court)
- Bob and Mike (great even when holding hands as handicap during points played)
- Vijay Amritraj (arguably the funniest man ever on a tennis court – sorry, Wayne)
Vijay’s Amritraj’s visual and audible interactions with his opponents are legendary. He and Tracy Austin were at each other in a side splitting yet awe inspiring way. Vince Spadea was looking on in amazement. The crowd loved it. Rosie Casals was having fun watching it. It was the highlight of the afternoon. Well, almost. The entertainment was followed by a serious exhibition match that included new LA homeboy Mardy Fish, displaying his awesome powers and his great sense of humor.
After the conclusion of on-court activities it was time for the evening entertainment, provided by the Bryan Bros Band. With dad Wayne playing lead guitar and vocals, Mike on the keyboard and Bob playing the guitar, the band was rocking at a good pace and kept people in the best mood for hours.
The atmosphere was very relaxed at the Malibu Racquet Club. People were enjoying the wines and food provided by Wally’s Wine and Spirits of LA. Sloane Stephens came with mother Sybil and brother Shawn and was basking in the limelight after her recent successes on the WTA tour. Andrea Jaeger talked about her “Little Star Foundation”, now in its 21st year. The foundation is determined to providing long-term care and improving the quality of life for children with cancer. Jaeger’s fundraisers are called “Friend Raisers” and she is planning on organizing one soon in the Los Angeles area.
One of the exhibitors at the Slam Jam was Ace Authentic, world's largest tennis memorabilia on-line store, official licensee of the US Open, Australian Open, WTA, International Tennis Hall of Fame, and many other organizations, and official licensee of over 300 ATP/WTA players. Owner John Reichel, raised almost $100,000 for the Japan Tsunami disaster relief. One of his priced items for that fundraiser was Rafael Nadal’s US Open shirt which sold for $9,000. Reichel, who also manages the Bryan Bros. Band, discounted his merchandise 30% for the Slam Jam and donated all the profits to the Bryan Brothers Foundation.
USC’s ace Steve Johnson had a good time playing and watching, and was looking forward to playing next at 3 challengers in Virginia, Tennessee, and Illinois. Justin Gimelstob was busy with a camera crew (as always). Pam Shriver was focused on helping that poor young woman whose serve let her down by jumping in, serving the ball, and then leaving the court quickly. Hilarious. Tracy Austin and Chris Ojakian were seen discussing the MS event they just successfully finished at the Kramer Club (Serve it up to end MS).
Another exhibitor and very new to the tennis world was Bauerfeind Performance Center. Steve Grill and Julia Bartos represented the products of this 80 year old German manufacturer of high end orthopedic braces and supports for tennis players, golfers, and runners. Grill mentioned that one of their main goals is the education of tennis players when it comes to high quality orthopedic support products. Those products are designed to help tennis players stay active. “We at Bauerfeind are happy to support the Bryan Brothers Charity," said Grill. He added, “We hope many tennis players will be able to visit us at our Santa Monica Performance Center showroom and learn about our products and our philosophy.”
For the Bryan Brothers, no end of their dream tennis career is in sight. At age 33 they were jetting to Austria after this fun charity weekend to compete in the ATP event in Vienna and meeting with Austrian’s President in honor of that country’s National Day. Another great fundraiser is behind them and Mike & Bob (and Wayne) gave it all they have. And more. That’s the way they roll. Giving back to a sport that brought them fame and riches. And helping children along the way. Nice!
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