Heliovaara/Patten save 3 CPs, win Wimbledon title

Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten won one of the most dramatic Wimbledon doubles finals in history on Saturday when they saved three championship points to defeat Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson 6-7(7), 7-6(8), 7-6(11-9).

The Finn-British team looked down and out in the second-set tie-break in front of a packed crowd on Centre Court. However, from 2/5 they then saved championship points at 6/7 and 7/8 before sealing the set on their second opportunity. They also saved a championship point on serve at 5-6 in the second set.

With a third set left to decide the final, Heliovaara and Patten saved both break points they faced, battled from 6/8 in the third-set tie-break and then earned victory on their second championship point after two hours and 52 minutes.

"Guys, you are all amazing out there," said Patten, who eight years ago would have been found on one of Wimbledon’s outside courts, totting up statistics. "I can't really remember what happened and Harri is the same. For me the most special thing is to do it in front of so many people that have come over. So many of my family members, my best friends. Thank you all."

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Home favourite Patten dropped to his knees after winning his first major, while Heliovaara raised his arms to the sky after becoming the first Finnish player to win the doubles crown at the grass-court major.

"I admit we got a little lucky today," Heliovaara said. "Max you told us to enjoy this and we will. The cheers say it all and it is very emotional."

Heliovaara stopped playing tennis 11 years ago due to injury. He then earned a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Aalton University in a bit less than four years and worked at Helsinki Airport at 5 a.m. each morning to serve as a passenger guide. He made his comeback in 2017 and has since won seven tour-level doubles titles.

Back from the brink 🤯🫨

Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten save three Championship points to defeat Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell 6-7(7), 7-6(8), 7-6(11-9) and win the Gentlemen's Doubles title 🏆#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/uAiSc5Jj14

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2024

Heliovaara and Patten dropped just two sets en route to their third trophy of the season and third of Patten's career, with the 28-year-old becoming just the third British man in the Open Era to win the doubles title. Neal Skupski won with Wesley Koolhof last year and Jonathan Marray triumphed in 2012.

Heliovaara surges 25 spots to No. 12 in the PIF ATP Live Doubles Rankings. Patten also leaps 25 places from his previous career high of 42 to No. 17.

Purcell, 26, was trying to clinch his second Wimbledon title, having won in 2022 with Matthew Ebden. Thompson, 30, had never been beyond the fourth round in the event prior to this year.