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Heliovaara & Patten continue love affair with Turin

Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten are signing off their dream season in style at the Nitto ATP Finals in what feels like a full-circle moment.

Their third title as a pair came at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Turin in May, their fifth tournament as a team. Fast forward to the prestigious season finale, and the Wimbledon champions now lead the Mike Bryan Group with a perfect 2-0 record on their debut team appearance.

“We have fond memories of Turin,” Patten, 28, told ATPTour.com. “It’s fantastic to be back. We had good success [at the Challenger], we beat guys like Nathaniel Lammons/Jackson Withrow and Neal Skupski on our way to the trophy there.

“Harri, in his victory speech there, said we hope to be back in a few months' time, and here we are. It’s been an amazing season for us.”

 Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara in action on Day 7 of the 2024 Piemonte Open on May 19, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Mike Lawrence/ATP Tour)

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Champions On Champions: 'Can I move like Demon?' Fritz & De Minaur don't hold back!

Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur were not afraid to hold back ahead of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, where they sat down and joked with each other, answering a series of savage questions.

The American and Australian, who will face off in the Ilie Nastaste Group Thursday, played nicely to start, praising each other’s games

“Can I move like Demon? Can I take that? I just want to move like Demon,” Fritz said when asked about the De Minaur’s on-court attributes.

“I just want to serve like Taylor,” De Minaur replied with a smile. “Then we are set. That is what makes a champion.”

However, things quickly heated up during ‘Savage Mode’. The questions got spicier, with both giving an honest assessment of each other’s skills. Watch the video below to see the full exchange.

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Heliovaara/Patten stay perfect on Nitto ATP Finals debut

Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten maintained their red-hot start to the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals on Tuesday, when the Finnish-British pair downed Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson 7-6(3), 7-5.

Seeking a repeat of their Wimbledon championship-match victory against Purcell and Thompson, Heliovaara and Patten seized control of a tight contest in the first-set tie-break, during which they won six of seven points from 1/2 to move a set ahead. After notching a break to love in the fifth game of the second set, they seemed set to seal an ultimately comfortable win, but a rare sloppy service game from Patten at 5-4 allowed their opponents back into the contest.

The British lefty did not have to wait long to redeem himself. In the very next game, he fired a return winner down the line on a crucial deuce deciding point to earn another break of serve. From there, Heliovaara served out to love to cap a 96-minute victory in style.

Keep on Rollin' ??

No. 3 seeds Harri Heliovaara & Henry Patten remain undefeated in the Mike Bryan Group, by defeating Purcell/Thompson 7-6(3) 7-5!#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/36K0TpRoDx

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 12, 2024

“[Max] was struggling a little bit with his body, but our energy was fantastic as it always is and we got over the line, just about," reflected Patten on the win, during which he and Heliovaara hit 11 aces, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

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Wesley Koolhof: A farewell to tennis

Last year at Wimbledon I experienced as close to euphoria as I imagine is possible in tennis. I was playing doubles with Neal Skupski, who is from Great Britain. It was a dream of mine to play on Centre Court and it was incredible to have the opportunity to compete on such a grand stage in the championship match.

To lift the trophy in front of Neal’s home fans at The Championships made it even more special.

Winning a Grand Slam title was one of the big things I really wanted to achieve in my career. In 2020, I won the Nitto ATP Finals with Nikola Mektic. I am a six-time ATP Masters 1000 champion. In 2022, I became the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings and was part of the year-end No. 1 team. Finally, I was able to call myself a major titlist.

There was so much media attention back home and other things that went with capturing the trophy. I remember going to the Wimbledon Ball on Sunday evening, thinking about how few players earn the chance to do something like that. It was just an incredible feeling.

For the next three weeks I was home with my fiancee, former WTA player Julia Goerges, and really enjoyed that time. Less than two months after winning Wimbledon I was sitting in my hotel room in Cincinnati thinking, ‘Okay, what am I going to do now with my life?’

a href='https://www.atptour.com/en/players/wesley-koolhof/kc41/overview'Wesley Koolhof/a and a href='https://www.atptour.com/en/players/nikola-mektic/mf09/overview'Nikola Mektic/a
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Christian Ruud on Casper's 'extra motivation', beating Alcaraz & more

Casper Ruud made the perfect start to his Nitto ATP Finals on Monday when he upset former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings Carlos Alcaraz for his first win against the Spaniard.

Two years ago, the Norwegian made the championship match at the Inalpi Arena. He has picked up where he left off in Turin and it is no coincidence, according to his father and coach, Christian Ruud.

“He was, of course, very proud the first year he qualified here and it's special to be among the eight best,” Christian told ATPTour.com. “I think he gets a little bit extra motivation and finds a little extra energy, it looks like. So especially this year, it's been a tough last couple months.

“We put a lot of work into trying to play well here, and today had a good start. He feels comfortable on the court, and he feels comfortable here in Italy with good pasta and good food. He just enjoys it here, I think.”

 

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Alcaraz: 'You can feel bad one day, good the next’

Carlos Alcaraz will have left the court in the Inalpi Arena with a bad taste in his mouth after losing to Casper Ruud in his 2024 Nitto ATP Finals opener.

The Spaniard, who only managed to win one game in the first set, looked ready to mount a comeback with a 5-2 lead in the second set, but he eventually lost to a player who he had previously always beaten (4-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series before today). Alcaraz must now endure an uphill struggle if he is to progress from the John Newcombe Group.

“I don’t like talking about things like this because it sounds like an excuse and I don’t want to take anything away from what Casper did to win the match,” began Alcaraz. “Before coming here, I was unwell at home. When I got to Turin, practice was going well; I could handle long rallies, competing and playing. And I hoped things would get better as the days went by.

"I don’t know if it was because of the nerves of the first match, but I didn’t feel completely well. My stomach limited my game a lot and made me feel uncomfortable. I could’ve done better. I’m not going to feel good in every match I play throughout the year, but it really limited me in terms of my recovery.”

[ATP APP]

After scavenging just one game in the opening set, the four-time Grand Slam champion stepped things up and changed the dynamic of the encounter, earning himself a 5-2 lead. He was on the brink of taking the match to a deciding set, but Ruud had other ideas, digging deep to win five consecutive games and putting the final nail in Alcaraz’s coffin.

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The Aftermatch: James Bond fashion & Sinner's hair, Ruud goes Live

Another day, another Instagram Live, with Casper Ruud the latest star to take the hot seat for ‘The Aftermatch’.

Following his win against Carlos Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals, Ruud joined host Max Whittle in Turin, where the pair discussed Ruud’s James Bond-based fashion, Norwegian fans, Sinner’s hair and much more…

Catch the must-watch live interview below as Ruud spills the tea.

Tune in across ATP Tour and Nitto ATP Finals social channels after every daytime singles match during the event to watch more of your favourite stars go Live.

On Sunday, Taylor Fritz brought his A-game on Sunday not just to the court but also to Instagram Live, where he became the very first guest on ‘The Aftermatch’ with host Max Whittle.

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What is the Nitto ATP Finals schedule for Tuesday & Wednesday?

Each Nitto ATP Finals competitor will return to Turin’s Inalpi Arena across Tuesday and Wednesday for a second taste of the action at the prestigious season finale.

Top seed Jannik Sinner will look to build on his impressive start in Ilie Nastase Group in a Tuesday evening clash against Taylor Fritz. Sinner defeated Alex de Minaur in straight-sets in his opening match but will be wary of the fifth-seeded Fritz, who also notched a comfortable first win against Daniil Medvedev.

Read Preview: Sinner, Fritz US Open final rematch headlines Turin Day 3
Read More: Becker on Sinner: 'He's the man to beat for a long time'

The 2020 Nitto ATP Finals champion Medvedev and event debutant De Minaur face off in Tuesday’s afternoon singles match in Turin. Medvedev leads the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series 6-3, although De Minaur won their only 2024 clash so far at Roland Garros.

In doubles action, Max Purcell/Jordan Thompson meet Harri Heliovaara/Henry Patten in the opening match of the day, with both chasing their second victory in Mike Bryan Group. Marcel Granollers/Horacio Zeballos take on Wesley Koolhof/Nikola Mektic in the evening match.

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Tiafoe, Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce celebrate Chiefs' win

Tennis, NFL football and pop music royalty enjoyed a rare three-way crossover on Sunday in Kansas City.

The No. 18 in the PIF ATP Rankings Frances Tiafoe and his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield spent time with celebrity couple Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift after watching the Kansas City Chiefs overcome the Denver Broncos 16-14 in the AFC West. Music superstar Swift was at the game supporting her boyfriend Kelce, who plays as a tight end for the Chiefs.

Although Tiafoe is a big Washington Commanders fan, that did not stop him and Broomfield from posting ‘Chiefsss’ on Instagram after their experience at Arrowhead Stadium.

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

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Becker on Sinner: 'He's the man to beat for a long time'

Alongside Jannik Sinner’s ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF ceremony Monday evening at the Nitto ATP Finals, former World No. 1 Boris Becker and ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi unveiled the pioneering ‘ATP No. 1 Club’, which was created to celebrate ATP players past and present who have reached the pinnacle of the sport.

“It was a childhood dream of mine to become the very best,” Becker said. “You don’t really believe it. It took me a couple of years. I was a longtime No. 2 before I became No. 1. But to be amongst the good and the great of tennis is very special.”

 

According to Becker, he never would have imagined as a kid that climbing to the very top was possible.

“I would have said, ‘You’re crazy. It’s not possible’,” Becker said. “But here we are and I’m very happy for Andrea to have this No. 1 Club because it’s a history for the young players as well — who was here before, who paved the way a little bit to have tournaments like the [Nitto] ATP Finals in Torino.”

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View the best photos from Day 2 at the Nitto ATP Finals

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First-Time Winner Spotlight: Benjamin Bonzi

Benjamin Bonzi clinched his first ATP Tour title on home soil at the Moselle Open after defeating Cameron Norrie in the final. It was the first taste of championship-match victory at the third attempt for the Frenchman, who in 2023 reached finals at ATP 250 events in Pune and Marseille.

The 28-year-old arrived in Metz after winning ATP Challenger Tour titles in Roanne and St. Brieuc in October, during which he was also a finalist at that level in Brest.

ATPTour.com caught up with the Frenchman to discuss his maiden moment, his 2024 season, and more.

What does it mean for you to win your first ATP tour title?
I've been through two finals last year and didn't manage to win one. This is always special, to make history and win a tournament. To put your name on the list, on this beautiful tournament, after so many great players like Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or last year [when Ugo Humbert won]. That feels very great, especially after the year I have been through. Winning the title is always special. And I think winning our first ATP title is something more special, amazing.

You have won 21 out of your past 22 matches. Did you think this was possible? And what has been working so well for you?
If you had said to me that six weeks earlier, I [would] tell you that you’re a liar. But now everything is true. I felt amazing on the courts [in] the last few weeks on the Challenger Tour and the ATP Tour. I think that my level came back, especially on the on the mental part, and the way I managed all those things that I've been through on the court. I know I can face a lot of things on the court and be ready for everything. That was maybe not the case all the year. But 21 victories in the last 22 matches was amazing. I would have signed, for sure, with both ends, but that's a great end of the season, kind of a fairy tale. So, to end like this, to be back in the Top 100 and be [in the] main draw for Melbourne.

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Zverev kick-starts hat-trick hunt in Turin with dominant win

Alexander Zverev ignited his pursuit for a third Nitto ATP Finals trophy with a commanding victory on Monday evening.

The second seed locked in to defeat Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-4 to open his account at the season finale in Turin. Zverev, the 2018 and 2021 champion, stood firm in the face of a fast start from Rublev to clinch his Tour-leading 67th win of 2024 in just 72 minutes. 

“I thought it was a very solid match from my end,” said Zverev, who improved to 15-9 at the Nitto ATP Finals. “Against anyone here, you have to play your best to have a chance, you have to be solid [and] mentally strong. I feel like I did that today, I felt like I used my chances quite well and I'm obviously happy with this win.”

Eyes on the prize ?

Two-time former champion @AlexZverev kick-starts his campaign in Turin in fine fashion!#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/TCR8yiYE2F

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 11, 2024

Zverev became the first player to beat Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the Nitto ATP Finals in 2019. The 2024 edition marks the first time since 2001 that neither of those players are competing at the season finale.

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Emotional Sinner accepts ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours

An emotional Jannik Sinner was celebrated for earning ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours on Monday evening at the Nitto ATP Finals in front of a raucous Inalpi Arena crowd.

“It’s a nice feeling, [it is] special sharing these kinds of moments here in Italy with the crowd,” Sinner said after a memorable ceremony in which he was presented the award by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, former World No. 1 Boris Becker and Head of Corporate Brand and Strategic Advisory at PIF Mohamed Alsayyad. “This would not be possible without all the people I have around and especially these kind of people I want to keep forever, because it has a journey from the beginning.”

 

Sinner’s tennis team and family, including his parents, were in the crowd. The people of Turin roared with approval as the home favourite displayed the trophy for the fans.

“I just heard that my mom was crying, which is something very cute,” Sinner said. “Only they know from my early age and stages, when I was around 13, how many sacrifices we made as a family.

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Sinner, Fritz US Open final rematch headlines Turin Day 3

Action from the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals continues to ramp up on Tuesday, with players from Ilie Nastase Group returning for the second set of round-robin matches.

Day 1 winners Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz will reprise their recent US Open final, with the winner taking pole position in the Ilie Nastase Group. Daniil Medvedev and Alex de Minaur, who suffered opening-day defeats are looking for a critical win to work their way back into semi-final contention.

In the doubles, Mike Bryan Group will also play host to some intriguing meetings. Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson will continue their debut run in Turin against Wimbledon champions Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten before second seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos face Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic.

[ATP APP]

[1] Jannik Sinner (ITA) vs [5] Taylor Fritz (USA)
Fritz will be hoping that lightning does not strike twice when he steps on court against home favourite Sinner on Tuesday evening at the Inalpi Arena. 

Sinner, the No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, won the pair’s most recent encounter in the championship match at Flushing Meadows in September and will head into their upcoming clash oozing with confidence, having won his past seven matches. 

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Nitto launches auction to support Torino Green Project

Imagine watching the world’s best tennis players at the Nitto ATP Finals or even stepping onto the court with them for the pre-match coin toss. Now, thanks to the Nitto 2024 auction, this dream can become a reality, while supporting the impactful Torino Green Project, launched by Nitto in November 2023.

Ending on 17 November, the auction offers exclusive items like match tickets, the rare chance to perform the ceremonial coin toss at the season finale and players’ signed goods. The auction invites fans to bid on unforgettable experiences, all while contributing to a meaningful cause.

All proceeds from the auction will go toward the City of Turin, in support of the Nitto ATP Finals Torino Green Project, a sustainability initiative created in partnership with the ATP Tour. The project focuses on minimising the environmental impact of large events, promoting sustainable practices throughout Turin.

Key initiatives include waste reduction and support for green projects like tree regeneration at Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto Park a park next to the tournament venue and creating a green bus stop within the city of Turin for the aim of Co2 reduction. The auction funds will help ensure a lasting, positive impact on Turin's environment and serve as a model for sustainable development.

[ATP APP]

Anna Orfanidou was a lucky fan who through the auction claimed the unforgettable experience of performing the coin toss ahead of Sunday evening’s match between Jannik Sinner and Alex de Minaur.

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Fired up Bolelli/Vavassori blitz through Nitto ATP Finals opener

Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori wasted little time in getting their Nitto ATP Finals campaign underway Monday on home soil.

The Italian fourth seeds did not blink in an emphatic 6-2, 6-3 win over Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden to kick-start their team debut at the season finale in style. To the delight of the home crowd, Bolelli and Vavassori offered no let up in a near-flawless first set, during which they won 13 out of 14 first-serve points, according to Infosys ATP Stats, before racing to a 56-minute victory. 

After improving to 3-2 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Bopanna/Ebden, Bolelli and Vavassori moved to 1-0 in Bob Bryan Group. They will face Kevin Krawietz/Tim Puetz and Marcelo Arevalo/Mate Pavic in the remaining round-robin matches.

Sending the home crowd in a FRENZY ???

A sensational opening win for @BolelliSimone and Andrea Vavassori as they defeat Bopanna/Ebden 6-2 6-3!!!#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/qEARfsGt4h

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 11, 2024

The Italians made a lightning fast start inside Inalpi Arena, with Turin-born Vavassori firing a forehand return winner to break Bopanna’s serve in the second game. It was a statement start that set the tone for the remainder of the match, during which they carved out eight break points.

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Know When to Attack and Defend

Knowing when to attack and when to defend is a crucial aspect of playing tennis strategically. It allows you to dictate the tempo of the match and conserve energy for key moments. Here's how to read the game and make the right decisions: When to Attack:When Your Opponent Is Out of Position:Movement: If your opponent is caught off balance or far fro...

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Ruud rocks Turin, upsets Alcaraz at Nitto ATP Finals

When it comes to the Nitto ATP Finals, Casper Ruud rarely brings anything below his best.

The Norwegian on Monday upset Carlos Alcaraz 6-1, 7-5 to register a huge early shock at the prestigious season finale in Turin. Ruud, who reached the championship match on his previous Nitto ATP Finals appearance in 2022, expertly capitalised on a lacklustre performance from the third-seeded Alcaraz to seal an 86-minute victory inside Inalpi Arena.

“it’s only one match, but it’s definitely one of the best wins of the season for me,” said Ruud. “In terms of who I’m playing, his level, his ranking and all this stuff. I feel very happy of course. I think we will see Carlos play better tennis than he did today, but I took care of my chances.

“I have not been [full of] confidence in the past weeks or months, so it was a great win for me and hopefully I can build on it, and I would like to get some more wins while I am in Turin.”

Although Alcaraz appeared below his physical best during Monday’s encounter, Ruud looked transformed from the player who entered the match having registered just two wins since the US Open. The 25-year-old struck the ball cleanly off both wings and showed few signs of nerves in serving out for his first Lexus ATP Head2Head win in five attempts against Alcaraz.

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Part 2: Nadal, Jordan, Ronaldo; Nitto ATP Finals stars pick their champions

From Michael Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo to Rafael Nadal and Avicii, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev weighed in on the champions who have inspired them during Thursday’s media day at the Nitto ATP Finals.

Zverev, Alcaraz, Ruud and Rublev will all try to become the ultimate champion at the prestigious year-end event in Turin, where they compete in the John Newcombe Group. Ahead of their opening matches, the quartet took time to discuss their idols, sharing their favourite memories.

“Firstly, I would choose Rafael Nadal,” said Alcaraz, who grew up watching his countryman. “In my family, at home, we always watch tennis. My father was a player when he was young, and there was only tennis on the TV. Rafa was Spanish and the way he played, the way he behaved, inspired me a lot. That is why he is my idol.”

Alcaraz has enjoyed several memorable moments with Nadal, most notably at the Paris Olympics in July, when the team paired in doubles. The 21-year-old has demonstrated his champion qualities throughout his early historic career, becoming the youngest player to win majors on all three surfaces (Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open).

Away from tennis, the Spaniard was quick to identify Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Jordan as idols.

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