By Liza Horan

The doubles story Down Under was all about American siblings: Venus and Serena Williams won their eigth major tandem title, and Bob and Mike Bryan scored their seventh major trophy.

While the Bryans opted for doubles competition only, the ladies have pursued individual careers on and off the court.

Upon winning her third Australian Open doubles title with Serena, Venus opened up about why doubles can be more enjoyable.

"I think that when you play good points in doubles, you tend to smile a little more, enjoy that point with someone else. It's definitely a different kind of feeling, 'cause in singles you're so focused, you don't even smile, you just move to that next point without any kind of elation," said Venus, who was singles runner-up to Serena here in 2003. "In doubles, you kind of celebrate a little bit, even the points and the games. It is definitely different. It's a team."

Bob and Mike Bryan spent the off-season building a gym at their shared home to help rehab Bob's shoulder and give them a more convenient place to work out.

"We're really excited to be healthy and be on top again. I think we'll take over the No. 1 ranking again, which is where we feel the best," Bob said after winning the championship. "We feel at home at No. 1. It's a little bit different to being in the off-season as the No. 2 team. It made us want to work harder."

After commentating the Australian Open TV broadcast, Mary Joe Fernandez made her way to Surprise, Ariz., in preparation for this weekend's Fed Cup tie against Argentina. She'll lead the American effort by Bethanie Mattek, Jill Craybas, Melanie Oudin and Liezel Huber. The team won't include the Williamses this time, but Venus has shown for the U.S. eight times, and Serena has four times.

The Bryan brothers are Davis Cup stalwarts—they seem to live for the team event as Mike's participated in 17 ties and Bob in 16. Captain Patrick McEnroe is expected to name them to the squad facing Switzerland, March 6-8, in Birmingham, Ala.

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