PARIS — British tennis fans had plenty to celebrate at Roland Garros as Henry Patten secured a hard-fought victory over compatriot Jacob Fearnley in the men’s doubles, advancing to the third round of the French Open. The match, which showcased the depth of British tennis talent, ended 6-4, 7-6(5) in Patten’s favor, marking another milestone in his breakthrough season.
The all-British clash was a highlight of the day’s doubles action, with both players demonstrating their growing prowess on the clay courts. Patten, who has been climbing the doubles rankings steadily this year, partnered with Finland’s Harri Heliovaara, while Fearnley teamed up with Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The match was a tightly contested affair, with Patten’s experience at the net and precise serving proving decisive in the key moments.
A Battle of Rising British Stars
The encounter between Patten and Fearnley was more than just a second-round match—it was a glimpse into the future of British tennis. Patten, 28, has been a late bloomer in the doubles circuit, while Fearnley, 22, is one of the most promising young players emerging from the UK. The match featured:
- Patten’s dominant net play, winning 85% of points at the net
- Fearnley’s aggressive baseline rallies, showcasing his singles pedigree
- A tense second-set tiebreak, where Patten saved two set points before closing out the match
Speaking after the match, Patten reflected on the significance of the win: "It’s always tough playing a fellow Brit, especially someone as talented as Jacob. We’ve trained together a lot, so there were no surprises out there. I’m just happy to get through and keep our run going."
Britons Shine in Doubles at Roland Garros
Patten’s victory was part of a strong showing for British players in the doubles draw. Elsewhere, Jamie Murray and Michael Venus advanced with a straight-sets win, while Neal Skupski and his partner also progressed. The success highlights the UK’s growing strength in doubles, a discipline where British players have historically excelled.
Fearnley, despite the loss, took positives from his French Open campaign: "This was my first Grand Slam doubles main draw, and to play against someone like Henry, who’s had such a great year, was a fantastic experience. I’ll learn a lot from this."
Patten’s Breakthrough Season
Patten’s win continues what has been a remarkable 2024 for the British doubles specialist. Earlier this year, he reached the semifinals of the Australian Open with Heliovaara, and the pair have since claimed two ATP titles. Their chemistry on court was evident in the match against Fearnley, with Patten’s net presence complementing Heliovaara’s powerful baseline game.
The victory sets up a third-round clash against the experienced duo of Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic, the 2022 French Open champions. Patten acknowledged the challenge ahead: "They’re one of the best teams in the world, especially on clay. We’ll need to bring our A-game, but we’ve beaten top teams before."
The Future of British Doubles
With multiple British pairs still in contention, there’s growing optimism about the country’s doubles prospects. The LTA has invested heavily in doubles development programs in recent years, and the results are beginning to show. Key takeaways from the British performances so far include:
- Three British pairs reached the second round, the most since 2016
- Patten’s rise to a career-high doubles ranking of 32 this year
- Fearnley’s rapid adaptation to the professional doubles game
Tennis analyst Mark Petchey noted: "What we’re seeing is a new generation of British players who are equally comfortable in singles and doubles. That versatility will serve them well throughout their careers."
Looking Ahead
As the French Open enters its second week, British interest in the doubles remains strong. Patten and Heliovaara will be looking to match or surpass their Australian Open performance, while the other British pairs aim to make deep runs. The success comes at an important time for British tennis, with Wimbledon just weeks away.
For Fearnley, the focus now shifts to the grass court season, where his powerful serve and aggressive game are expected to thrive. The young Scot has already received a wildcard for the Queen’s Club Championships, providing another opportunity to test himself against the world’s best.
The match between Patten and Fearnley may have been a first-round encounter, but it showcased the depth of British tennis talent. As Patten put it: "British tennis is in a good place right now. We’re pushing each other to improve, and that can only benefit everyone."
With the third round looming, all eyes will be on whether Patten can continue his impressive form and potentially become the first British men’s doubles champion at Roland Garros since Jonathan Marray in 2016. For now, British tennis fans can celebrate another strong showing at a Grand Slam.