Wimbledon success could be just the start for Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara
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Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara are looking forward to their victory in the men's doubles at Wimbledon being the beginning of a successful collaboration.
The unexpected pair surprised the Australian team of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in an exciting match on Centre Court. They saved three opportunities for their opponents to win in the second set and secured an impressive 6-7 (7) 7-6 (8) 7-6 (11/9) triumph.
Patten, who had not advanced beyond the third round in his first six grand slam tournaments, only started playing with Heliovaara in April. However, they have now won the Wimbledon championship along with four other titles they have won in the last three months.
"Yeah, having the prize money definitely makes a difference," Patten confessed, as they were set to share £650,000 between them.
That means Harri and I can attend bigger upcoming events. These events are more focused on the competitive and serious side of tennis.
When it comes to transforming my life, only time will tell. As I mentioned before, I believe that the most crucial aspect for me is being able to experience it with my loved ones.
Heliovaara, aged 35, said: "We discussed before that this partnership is successful, so let's continue working together. I am happy to stay with him for the rest of my professional life. I have no complaints."
"No, it's unique. We have such a strong connection on the court. It's an experience unlike any other I've had."
Patten, who was born in Colchester, shared the same feelings as Heliovaara. Heliovaara stopped playing tennis in 2013 and took a job at Helsinki Airport. However, he eventually came back to the sport and went on to win the US Open mixed doubles title last year.
Patten's journey to success has been rapid, starting from when he competed in college tennis in the United States. He was on the brink of quitting the sport altogether before enrolling in a postgraduate program at Durham University in 2019.
After turning pro at 28, he shifted his focus to doubles in late 2022. Patten recently made history as the third British player to win the men's doubles at SW19, following in the footsteps of Jonny Marray and Neal Skupski.
No one expected us to win the grand slam this quickly. It may have been a dream for some, but our team has proven to be a dream team.
"I believe our shared values are reflected in both our tennis playing and our behavior off the court. This connection helps us to maintain a strong relationship on the court," stated Patten.
For instance, it assists us in uncovering games like (the last one). It might have been simple to just give up.
"They were definitely outperforming us for most of the game, but we have each other's backs and we'll keep fighting until the very end. Whether we come out on top or not, it's all good."
"Yep, it's definitely really neat, pretty unique."
Calvin Betton, the coach of Patten, had originally aimed for the British-Finnish team to be ready to participate in Masters tournaments starting in August. However, they now have even greater goals in sight.
The ATP Finals happening in Turin in November are within reach, but the "dream team" may encounter some challenges after the US Open next month.
Finland will play against Britain in a Davis Cup match in Manchester. Even though Patten knows he may not be chosen ahead of Joe Salisbury and Skupski by captain Leon Smith, he would love the opportunity to play for his country. He is willing to face Heliovaara if needed.
Patten, a devoted Ipswich supporter, expressed his immense excitement about the team's recent victory. He is hopeful that this win could secure them a place in Turin and potentially a spot in the qualifiers for a major tournament.
I am very excited about the opportunity to represent my country. We have many talented doubles players, which makes the competition tough.
"In terms of Davis Cup matters, there are political aspects to consider. I haven't even begun to think about those discussions."
Leon Smith will commend you for your work. If I receive further feedback from him, it will be fantastic. If not, then that's just how things are sometimes. Only time will tell.
Heliovaara stated: "I don't believe anyone anticipated our grand slam victory happening so quickly. Perhaps someday, but it has truly been a dream come true. We are like a dream team, how else can you describe it?"
