Henry Patten Aims for Glory: Chasing the Top Spot in Men's Doubles

Henry Patten has set his sights on achieving the pinnacle of men's doubles tennis by targeting the world number one ranking after an exhilarating victory at the Australian Open.

In a gripping final, Patten and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara showcased their skills against renowned competitors Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, winning in a dramatic match that concluded in the early hours of the morning, 6-7 (16-18), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3. This remarkable triumph not only secured their second Grand Slam title but also propelled them to the third and fourth spots in the ATP rankings, with Patten now sitting just behind the current leaders, Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic, who share the top position with 7,530 points. Patten trails closely with 7,075 points.

The significance of victory in Grand Slam events cannot be understated. "The prize money in doubles is a lot less than in singles, and securing sponsorship deals can be challenging, so performing well at the Slams is paramount," Patten shared in an interview. The duo’s win in Melbourne granted them a substantial share of the A$810,000 prize money, roughly £200,000 each, reinforcing the importance of their successful run.

Reflecting on the grueling match that lasted more than three hours, Patten remarked, "I think it's probably the longest doubles match I've ever played. After losing a tightly contested first set, I had to refuel with a shot of espresso from my coach to tackle the ensuing challenges. It was certainly a war of attrition."

Originating from Manningtree in Essex, Patten began playing tennis at just five years old. His determination yielded ten titles on the ATP Challenger tour in 2022. Only nine months ago, he teamed up with Heliovaara, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. "It's amazing that it's happened so quickly - it feels like just the blink of an eye," Patten expressed, noting the surreal nature of their success.

Having previously clinched their first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon the preceding summer, Patten and Heliovaara have proven to be a formidable duo. Their next target: the French Open, commencing on May 25. "Next week we’ll be in Dallas on the ATP tour, followed by Doha, Dubai, and then back to the States. It’s a whirlwind schedule, and we are ready for the challenge ahead,” Patten added eagerly.