TURIN, Italy — For most tennis professionals, winning the Nitto ATP Finals is a career-defining, life-altering achievement. For Great Britain's Henry Patten, his triumph in the men's doubles final was the second most momentous event of his week in the picturesque Italian city.
Just days before stepping onto the court at the Pala Alpitour for the championship match, Patten, alongside his Finnish partner Harri Heliövaara, secured the biggest title of his career. But the true pinnacle of his "dream week" had already occurred when he got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend, Ellie, who happily said yes.
"It's been the best week of my life," an elated Patten confessed after the final. "I proposed to my girlfriend here a few days ago, so to follow it up with this is just a dream come true. I'm lost for words. It's just insane. I couldn't have asked for a better week."
A Fairytale Fortnight in Turin
The 28-year-old Brit and his partner Heliövaara were alternate pairs for the prestigious season-ending tournament, only gaining entry into the eight-team field after withdrawals opened a spot. They seized the opportunity with a stunning display of teamwork and resilience, navigating the round-robin stage before defeating the top-seeded pair of Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos in a thrilling semifinal.
The final against the fifth-seeded duo of Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury was a nail-biting affair. In a match dominated by serve, it fittingly went to a match tie-break. There, Patten and Heliövaara held their nerve, converting their first championship point to win 6-3, 6-4, sealing a victory that sent Patten collapsing to the court in disbelief and joy.
Reflecting on the whirlwind journey from alternates to champions, Patten's emotions were raw. "A week ago we weren't even sure if we were going to get in. To not only get in but to go all the way is just unbelievable. It's what you dream of as a kid."
The Ultimate Pre-Final Boost
While the tennis world now knows of his on-court success, the private victory that preceded it provided the emotional foundation for his historic run. The proposal to his girlfriend, Ellie, was meticulously planned for their time in Turin, a city known for its romantic ambiance and stunning architecture.
"I had it planned for a while," Patten shared with a broad smile. "I knew we were coming to Turin, and it seemed like the perfect place. To have her here to share this with me, after she said 'yes'... it just took all the pressure off. I was playing with house money after that."
The engagement added a layer of surreal joy to an already intense week. The couple's celebration was necessarily brief, as Patten immediately had to refocus on the task of competing for one of the most coveted titles in tennis against the world's best teams.
A Partnership Forged in Success
Patten's partnership with Heliövaara, which only began in 2023, has been remarkably successful. Their complementary styles—Patten possessing a powerful serve and formidable net presence, Heliövaara providing steady groundstrokes and tactical wisdom—proved to be a perfect recipe for the fast indoor courts of Turin.
Heliövaara was effusive in his praise for his partner, both as a player and a person. "Henry was incredible all week. To see him play with so much freedom and confidence, especially after such a happy personal moment, was inspiring. We trusted each other completely in every big moment."
Their path to the title was anything but easy, a testament to their grit and synergy. Key factors in their victorious campaign included:
- Clutch Serving: Both players delivered under pressure, saving multiple break points.
- Net Dominance: They consistently won the battle at the net, cutting off angles and finishing points.
Overcoming the Odds
Entering the tournament as alternates, Patten and Heliövaara were under no illusion about the challenge ahead. They were pitted against teams with far more experience and higher rankings. Yet, they played with a fearlessness that disarmed their more-fancied opponents, embracing their underdog status.
"We had nothing to lose," Heliövaara stated. "From the first match, we decided to just go for our shots, enjoy the atmosphere, and play aggressive tennis. I think that mentality made the difference."
A Life-Changing Victory and Future
The victory at the ATP Finals is more than just a title for Patten; it's a transformative moment that catapults him into the sport's elite. The 1,500 ranking points and the substantial prize money solidify his position in the top echelon of the doubles game and set him up for a successful 2024 season.
But for Patten, the week will be defined by more than trophies and rankings. "You work your whole life for moments like these on the court, but what happens off the court, that's what truly matters. To have both in one week... it's just magic."
As the celebrations in Turin continue, Patten now looks ahead to a future bright with both personal and professional promise. A wedding to plan and a tennis career now operating at its absolute peak mark the beginning of a new, exhilarating chapter.
He leaves Italy not just as an ATP Finals champion, but as a man who truly won it all in one unforgettable trip. "I came here hoping to play a few good matches. I'm leaving with a fiancée and the biggest title of my life. It doesn't get any better than that."