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 World number one Djokovic and Federer have barely broken sweat to
reach the semi-finals of the year-ending tournament - the former
dropping nine games in three round-robin matches and his great Swiss
rival offering up a mere 13.
Ten of the first 11 singles matches in the round-robin stage failed
to go the distance, with all kinds of reasons being put forward for
the one-sided nature of the match-ups, from the slow court surface
to fatigue.
Yet the world's eight best doubles teams have had crowds on the edge
of their seats with some fast and furious action.
That was the case again on Friday when American world number one
pairing Bob and Mike Bryan, true stars of the discipline after
claiming 16 grand slam titles together, reached the semi-finals,
celebrating a high-energy 7-6 (3) 7-6 (2) victory over Alexander
Peya and Bruno Soares with their trademark "chest bump".
"This is one of the best courts in the world and it's where we want
to play," Bob told Reuters. "Going out there playing in front of a
packed house gets the adrenaline flowing, gives us goose bumps every
time."
 Half of the doubles matches so far have gone to sudden death match
tiebreaks (the first pair to 10 points) and Bob says they are happy
they are giving the London public value for money.
"The singles matches have been finished in like 50 minutes...that's
too quick for a hot ticket that's expensive. The doubles matches add
to the show.
"We're leaving it all out there and giving fans some drama."
NUMEROUS ACHIEVEMENTS
Identical twin Mike said men's doubles is experiencing a boom,
especially with the best doubles players sharing the year-end
tournament spotlight with the singles since 2003.
"I think it's as strong as its ever been, we have all the legends
around, guys that have won numerous slams like Daniel Nestor,
Leander Paes, you've got the cream of the crop and some of the best
singles guys jumping in too.
"The levels have improved so much. If we played the same as we were
in 2003 when we were first world number ones we wouldn't even make
the top 20 now."
While proud of their numerous achievements, Bob said the ATP could
still do more to maximize the potential of a game more familiar with
club players around the world.
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"We have been lucky enough to have good turnouts at our matches over
the last 10, 12 years," Bob said.
"But the ATP could step it up. They do a great job at this event and
hopefully that carries over to other smaller events.
"Every doubles player today is extremely professional, everyone has
a coach, no one parties, everyone hits the gym. Maybe 15, 20 years
ago it was journeymen enjoying the lifestyle, now we are all here to
win and only the best survive."
Both are already looking forward to the 2016 Rio Olympics when they
will be aiming to defend their title at an event that will
definitely attract the top singles players too.
"In the Olympics, everyone plays for that gold medal and that's the
toughest doubles draw in tennis," Mike said.
"Indian Wells is traditionally good too, 23 of the top 30 (singles
players) played doubles there. Everyone wants to see Rafa Nadal and
Roger Federer playing another match.
"The doubles guys hold their own and it would be interesting to see
more Olympic style events."
The Bryans, bidding for a first year-end title since 2009, take on
French duo Julien Benneteau and Edouard Roger-Vasselin in Saturday's
semi-finals.
Benneteau, ranked 26 in singles, said doubles should not be
under-estimated.
"It's amazing to play here in doubles," he said. "Only in Davis Cup
can we play with this kind of atmosphere in doubles.
"I think the ATP could do more and I know they are working on it and
players are pushing them to work on it."
(Editing by Mark Meadows)
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