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)
It didn’t take long for Heliovaara and Patten to adjust to their newfound partnershp in April, something clicked from the outset. They raced out of the blocks, winning four titles in their first six tournaments as a team, including two tour-level triumphs in Marrakech and Lyon.
“I could dream [of being in Turin], but I would have expected it to continue being a dream,” added Patten. "I think the season we've had, especially given that we started the year, has been amazing, highlighted by the Grand Slam win at Wimbledon. [That is] everyone's dream as a tennis player. It's been a surreal season. But we've got one more week left, and we want to make the most of it."
Almost exactly 12 months ago, Patten was competing primarily on the ATP Challenger circuit, while Heliovaara was finding his rhythm with a different partner. They are now showcasing their talents among the elite eight teams in Turin after a standout 2024, which is underpinned by their inspired run to the Wimbledon title in July.
[ATP APP]“We do very well on court and off court, I think that's important,” said Heliovaara, 35. “That's something that we really cherish. This year, we enjoyed spending time together, [we have] similar values in life, and that shows off court.
“On the court, I think we're different enough. Henry is a big guy, lefty, big serve, [he] has the power to hit through anyone. And I, on the other end, I have the experience, but at the same time, a lot of energy on court. It's kind of magical.
“I always compare it to a relationship that you would have with your wife, for example, you never know before who [it] is going to work with. But we found each other. I'm very happy to be playing together.”
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