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Bob Bryan misses chance at final
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More from Other NewsSaving face was the more important order of business.
Bryan did that, but fell just short of completing the comeback losing 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (5) to No. 8 Jurgen Melzer of Austria in the semifinals of the Miller Lite Hall of Fame Championships at Newport, R.I.
Melzer will play No. 4 Robby Ginepri in the final. Ginepri beat Gregory Carraz of France a 6-3, 7-6 (5).
Bryan, a wild card, was making his first semifinal singles appearance in an ATP event, having entered the week with an 0-2 record. His lone singles title was a Challenger in Joplin, Mo., earlier in the year.
Down 6-0, 1-0, it looked as if the experience would be extremely short and slightly embarrassing.
"I was getting run around the building. When I won that first game, it was kind of like, 'Great I am not going to lose 0 and 0 on national television,' and I loosened up a bit and played better," said Bryan. "For a minute, you are kind of scared you are going to get crushed."
Behind his strong serve, the lefty found a rhythm and captured the second set. He had a chance in the third, serving at 5-5 in the tiebreak, but Melzer hit a winner and served out the match.
So ended the quest for another title in Newport.
With twin brother Mike nursing a rib injury, the two-time defending champions had to withdraw from doubles.
Watching from the twins' Camarillo residence, Mike felt helpless as he watched Bob struggle with his return game and dig himself into an early hole.
"I was going crazy. I get more nervous watching on TV, almost to the point where I am sick to my stomach," said Mike. "I was praying at the end, but it didn't work out. He still had a good experience at this tournament. It's tough because the opportunity to make the finals doesn't come around too often. It would have been huge."
Bob will participate in an event in Cap Cod, on Monday and Tuesday that benefits the Tim and Tom Gullikson Foundation before returning to Camarillo for some needed rest.
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