When Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara took to Centre Court on Thursday, they were not just chasing another win — they were chasing history. The British-Finnish pair, who only started playing together in 2024, defeated American Aleksandar Kovacevic and Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis in two nail-biting tie-breaks, 7-6 (7-2) and 7-6 (10-8), to book their spot in the Wimbledon men's doubles final for the second time in three years.
The victory was their seventh win in eight matches this fortnight, and a closer look at the numbers reveals something remarkable: Patten and Heliovaara have won six of the seven tie-breaks they have contested at this tournament. Three of those came down to explosive 10-point shootouts — the most thrilling format in tennis — and they won them all.
"It feels great. Big emotions of joy, relief, happiness, all of those things. It is what you dream of doing," Patten told BBC TV after the match. "We're a bit tired, but we're over the moon."
The duo are currently the world number ones and the defending champions at the All England Club, having claimed the title in 2024. Earlier this year, they added the Australian Open to their resume, making them one of the most formidable doubles teams on the planet. If they win on Saturday, it will be their third Grand Slam title together in just under two years.
Their opponents in the final will be El Salvador's Marcelo Arevalo and Croatia's Mate Pavic — a pairing that beat Patten and Heliovaara at Queen's Club three weeks ago. Arevalo is a two-time French Open champion, and Pavic has won all four Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon in 2021. It promises to be a fierce battle.
Patten, however, is not letting nerves get in the way. "I expect we'll still be quite nervous. There's no getting away from that — it's the final at Wimbledon on Centre Court," he said. "It's a unique feeling. The butterflies will definitely be there."
For two players who did not know each other before 2024, Patten and Heliovaara have built something extraordinary together. A third Grand Slam title would cement their place among the greats of the sport.