LONDON — Defending champions Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara kicked off their men's doubles title defense with a hard-fought victory over British duo Dan Evans and Henry Searle at the Rothesay Open in Nottingham. The match, which lasted just over an hour, showcased the resilience and tactical prowess of the reigning champions as they battled to a 7-6(5), 6-4 win.
The Finnish-British pairing, who claimed their first ATP Tour title together last year in Nottingham, demonstrated their chemistry under pressure, particularly in a tightly contested first-set tiebreak. "We knew it wouldn’t be easy," Heliovaara said post-match. "Dan and Henry are tough opponents, but we stayed focused and trusted our game."
A Gritty First Set
The opening set was a battle of nerves, with neither pair conceding an inch. Evans and Searle, playing together for the first time, surprised many with their aggressive net play and sharp returns. However, Patten and Heliovaara’s experience shone through in the tiebreak, where they edged ahead with a crucial mini-break at 5-5.
Key moments in the first set included:
- A stunning cross-court passing shot from Patten at 3-3
- Heliovaara’s clutch serve under pressure at 5-6 to force the tiebreak
- A missed volley by Searle on set point, handing the advantage to the champions
Second Set Dominance
The second set saw Patten and Heliovaara elevate their game, breaking Evans’ serve early to take a 3-1 lead. Despite a late surge from the British pair, the defending champions held their nerve, with Patten sealing the match with an ace down the T. "We’ve worked hard on staying composed in these moments," Patten remarked. "It’s great to start the week with a win."
Post-Match Reactions
Evans, a seasoned singles player, acknowledged the challenge of adapting to doubles. "It’s a different rhythm, and they’re a top team," he said. "We had our chances, but credit to them—they played the big points better."
Heliovaara, who reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2022, emphasized the importance of teamwork. "Henry and I complement each other well. He’s got the power, and I try to keep us organized at the net. It’s a good balance."
Looking Ahead
Patten and Heliovaara will face either fourth seeds Julian Cash and Robert Galloway or wildcards Jacob Fearnley and Johannus Monday in the quarterfinals. A potential rematch of last year’s final against Cash and Galloway looms if both pairs advance.
Nottingham has been a happy hunting ground for the duo, who also reached the semifinals here in 2022. "We love playing here," Patten said. "The crowd support is amazing, and the grass suits our game."
Tournament Context
The Rothesay Open serves as a crucial warm-up for Wimbledon, with many top doubles teams fine-tuning their grass-court games. This year’s field includes:
- Top seeds Jamie Murray and Michael Venus
- Defending champions Patten and Heliovaara
- British hopefuls Cash and Galloway
Patten and Heliovaara’s victory keeps them on track for a deep run, bolstering their confidence ahead of Wimbledon. "Every match on grass is valuable," Heliovaara noted. "We’re taking it one step at a time."
Conclusion
The defending champions passed their first test with flying colors, combining resilience and tactical intelligence to overcome a spirited challenge. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Patten and Heliovaara can replicate last year’s success and build momentum for the grass-court season. "We’re here to win," Patten declared. "That’s the only goal."