Chennai, India - Too many exhibitions and perhaps not enough rest may have helped contribute to the pullout of the American Bryan brothers from the January 5 start in Chennai of the 2009 ATP season. The 30-year-old twins gave the bad news to Indian organisers of an event where the singles field is headed by Nikolay Davydenko, whose only previous experience at the tournament was a first-round loss in 2001.
The world number two Bryan pair could now face a fight to get Bob ready for the Australian Open starting in three weeks.
The side played in exhibitions during the December "off season" with Mike sometimes substituting on serve for his twin with few in the American crowds noticing a difference.
"All American doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan have withdrawn their participation owing to an aggravated injury to Bob Bryan," organizers said in a statement.
"This is really unfortunate," said the Californians in their statement. "We were keenly looking forward to our participation at the Chennai Open 2009.
"However Bob's injury has spoilt our plans. We were looking forward to playing in playing in India but things have not worked out,"
