Harrison reflects on Bryans' impact on the sport

In November, Bob and Mike Bryan announced they were planning to retire after the 2020 US Open. The legendary duo is now being forced to reconsider their plans, given the coronavirus pandemic's impact on the tours.

Initially, the Bryans did not intend to extend into 2021, but the latest from *Tennis Channel Live* on Thursday revealed that if the full hard-court season doesn't happen, the 41-year-old's might consider playing Wimbledon and the Olympics in 2021.

The Americans already didn't get to play Indian Wells or Miami, both of which they've won a number of times (two titles in Indian Wells and six in Miami), and will lose their final clay-court season. Their last tournament was Delray Beach, which they won for their 119th title together. And their last pro tennis appearance before the shutdown was the World TeamTennis Celebrity All-Star Match in San Diego on March 1 (which is airing on Saturday at 1 p.m. on CBS Sports).

No matter what does happen next with their schedule, the Bryans have left a lasting impact on the sport and the next generation. Ryan Harrison was lucky enough to compete against the Bryans in both of their previous two events. Alongside his brother Christian, Harrison stepped in for an exhibition match in Delray Beach when Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson withdrew.

"They have had just historic careers," Harrison said. "What they've done for doubles is just incredible. I really have looked up to them. They've been so kind to me from the start."

That evening in Delray wrapped with the Bryans getting a ceremony and sendoff with their Florida fans, something they were hoping to soak up at every stop along their farewell tour.

Harrison got to face the twins again just a few weeks later in San Diego, when he joined WTT's Team Sharapova against Team Bryan Brothers.

"Bob and I were out there hitting a couple days in San Diego, and Bob was actually out there working with me on different parts of my game and helping me out," Harrison said. "That just goes to show you how good of guys they are."

Harrison is no slouch on the doubles court. The 27-year-old has won three titles, including the 2017 French Open crown (with Michael Venus). In the All-Star Match, he played alongside Mardy Fish against Sam Querrey, James Blake and the Bryans. It was quite a surreal moment for Harrison as he was on the 2012 Davis Cup team alongside Fish and the Bryans, and teamed with Mike Bryan in the 2018 semifinals.

"It was really cool because I remember watching all  those guys playing Davis Cup," Harrison said. "I just remember being there and watching them and idolizing them. So to be on the court with all of them at the same time was a unique and cool experience."