LONDON — Britain’s Henry Patten has revealed the unconventional secrets behind his rapid rise in men’s doubles tennis—ranging from "doubles dating" to bonding over reindeer stew with Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara. The duo, who only teamed up in early 2023, have quickly become one of the most formidable pairs on the ATP Tour, reaching multiple finals and climbing the rankings.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Patten explained how their partnership flourished through shared experiences both on and off the court. "It’s not just about tennis—it’s about understanding each other as people," Patten said. "That’s where the ‘doubles dating’ comes in."
The Unusual Bonding Rituals
Patten and Heliovaara’s partnership began with an unorthodox approach: treating their early matches like "dates." "We’d go for coffee, dinners, anything to get to know each other’s habits, preferences, and even pet peeves," Patten shared. "You wouldn’t believe how much that helps in tight moments on court."
Their off-court chemistry translated into immediate success, with the pair reaching the semifinals in their first tournament together in Montpellier. But it was a trip to Finland that truly solidified their bond. "Harri invited me to his hometown, and we had reindeer stew—his family’s recipe," Patten recalled. "That’s when I knew we were in this for the long haul."
From Reindeer Stew to ATP Success
The duo’s breakthrough came in 2023, with back-to-back finals in Stockholm and Basel. Their aggressive net play and seamless communication caught the attention of tennis analysts. Key factors in their success include:
- Complementary playing styles: Patten’s powerful serve pairs perfectly with Heliovaara’s quick reflexes at the net.
- Shared humor: The pair often lighten tense moments with inside jokes mid-match.
- Cultural exchange: From British tea breaks to Finnish sauna sessions, they embrace each other’s traditions.
Patten credits their off-court dynamic for their resilience in tight matches. "When you trust someone completely, you play freer," he said. "That’s what makes us dangerous."
The Turning Point: A Match Saved by Laughter
One memorable moment came during a tense third-set tiebreak in Stockholm. "Harri tripped over his own feet chasing a lob," Patten laughed. "Instead of getting frustrated, we both cracked up—and won the next three points."
Looking Ahead: Grand Slam Ambitions
With their ranking now inside the ATP Top 30, Patten and Heliovaara have set their sights on Grand Slam success. "We’ve proven we can compete with the best," Patten said. "Now it’s about consistency and peaking at the majors."
Their coach, former doubles specialist David Macpherson, praised their unique approach: "Most teams focus only on drills. These guys work just as hard on their partnership—whether that’s trying new foods or learning each other’s languages. It shows in their chemistry."
As for the reindeer stew? It’s become a pre-tournament ritual. "We’ve even got the tournament chefs in on it now," Patten joked. "Nothing bonds you like a shared meal—especially when it’s something that weird."
Conclusion: More Than Just a Tennis Pair
Patten’s story underscores an often-overlooked aspect of doubles success: the human connection. "Tennis is a lonely sport if you let it be," he reflected. "What Harri and I have is special because we chose to make it about more than backhands and volleys."
With their blend of tactical brilliance and genuine friendship, Patten and Heliovaara are redefining what it means to be a doubles team. As they prepare for the North American hardcourt swing, one thing is certain: wherever they go, reindeer stew won’t be far behind.