Mike Bryan marks 500 weeks at doubles No. 1

As properly exalted in an ATPtour.com story, the right-handed half of the sport's illustrious Bryan brothers has reached an outsize milestone.

Mike Bryan's feat of reaching 500 weeks as the ATP doubles No. 1–ranked player is unlikely to be touched for decades, if ever. Further, he garnered that mark as the season's second major event got underway in Paris, which seemed to wash out the fanfare due to him.

He did so at the age of 41 years, 28 days.

Consider this an appreciation. And consider Mike and Bob Bryan one (well, two) of the best stories ever in the sport, with all their work and success conducted with heartening respect and sportsmanship. There's a reason you don't hear their peers speak ill of them over so many years in the pros.

With southpaw brother Bob out of commission for parts of the 2018 season, that due to a hip injury and replacement surgery, Mike took to doing what he does best: making his partner better. In stepped Jack Sock, who was suffering a singles slump, and 40-going-on-41 Mike Bryan and his younger compatriot seized Wimbledon, US Open, and ATP World Tour Finals titles.

Bob and Mike are back in action this year, defending their Miami Open title in a new (NFL) stadium and, as the No. 7–seeded tandem, opening their campaign at Roland Garros with a three-set win against Pablo Carreno Busta and Gerard Granollers.

Follow Jon on Twitter: @jonscott9.