Few champagne showers have been more well deserved.

Last year, Mike Bryan struggled with his brother Bob as the pair only won two tournaments. Committing to put that virtually lost campaign behind them, the Bryan brothers showed why they’re considered legends of the game with a semifinal showing at the Australian Open, and a run of four straight ATP Masters finals, including two titles, in 2018.

Then, disaster struck when Bob Bryan went down with a hip injury in the Madrid final that would require surgery and sideline him for the rest of the year.

After an early-round loss at the French Open, Mike Bryan teamed up with Jack Sock, who was enduring struggles of his own on the singles court, but had already won three doubles titles with as many partners in 2018. They made their debut at Queen's Club at the Fever Tree Championships, going 1-1 at the grass-court event.

A few weeks later, they were champions at the most prestigious tournament of them all.

Advertising

And to show that their first Grand Slam title in only their second tournament together wasn’t a fluke, the duo delighted the home crowd in New York by capturing the US Open.

Advertising

Their dominant stretch in the majors qualified them for the ATP Finals in London. As if they didn’t have enough motivation to win it all, there was an added bit of incentive to finish strong as this would more than likely be their last event as regular partners. Mike and Bob Bryan will reunite next year, kicking off their 2019 campaign in Sydney. Bob Bryan's practically been there in spirit with Mike Bryan and Sock through their run.

Like they did at Wimbledon and the US Open, Sock and Bryan raised their games when the chips were down.

Advertising

For Mike Bryan, it’s his fifth ATP Finals title and first without Bob. In a season that could’ve gone off the rails early, the 40-year-old, along with his younger compatriot, recorded a winning stretch for the ages—earning every bit of the bubbly that came their way.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias