Fresh off their bronze-medal performance at the Beijing Olympics, Bob and Mike Bryan needed some time to recharge their batteries before heading to the U.S. Open.

The Camarillo twins followed the lead of the rich and famous and spent a week in the Hamptons.

"The Olympics were a lot of pressure and emotion so it was good to freshen up, get the stress out of our bodies and adjust to the time change," Mike Bryan said. "I think we are now rested and ready to go for the big one."

The chase for a second career U.S. Open title begins Thursday when the second-seeded Bryans play Spaniards Nicolas Almagro and Pablo Andujar in the first round in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.

It's the last chance for the Bryans to capture a Grand Slam title this year. The 30-year-old Rio Mesa High graduates have won at least one major a year since their U.S. Open breakthrough in 2005.

It's also an opportunity to reclaim their No. 1 ranking from Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic.

"We have to do well here if want to get back on top," Mike said. "A big goal of ours is to finish there, and we have to get down to business if we want it to happen."

Playing the U.S. Open is challenging during most seasons, but an Olympic year makes it even more tiring.

The Bryans flew directly from Beijing to New Jersey, where a limo awaited to deliver them into the lap of luxury.

When in the Hamptons, the Bryans stay at the home of David H. Koch — an oil-and-gas billionaire who ranks No. 10 on Forbes' list of richest Americans with an estimated net worth of 17 billion.

"They treat us like kings," Mike Bryan said. "It's right on the beach, and they have a staff of 30 people basically just for us. Bob even got a helicopter ride into the city."

But the pre-Open visits aren't strictly for relaxation.

The Bryans participate in an event called the Huggy Bear Pro-Am.

Although Bob sat out this year to rest a shoulder injury that's bugged him since Wimbledon, Mike took part in the action.

The Bryans were hoping to bring along a gold medal from Beijing, but discovered the bronze is still a very attractable memento.

They have been passing it around the dinner table and drew a crowd at the Beijing airport.

"I had it out and showed an American fan and then basically the whole terminal got around and was taking pictures," Mike said. "Nobody had ever seen one up close, so it was pretty cool to let them all have a chance."

Although the Bryans didn't leave the Hamptons with any money from Huggy Bear, they received a perk that should improve their comfort level at the Open.

"My partner in the Pro-Am owns the Ritz-Carlton and he gave us three free rooms with a view of Central Park," Mike said. "It should be a nice stay in New York, and hopefully a long one."