Wimbledon champion Henry Patten's remarkable rise in the doubles rankings this year has not only caught the attention of his rivals but has also set the stage for an even tougher 2025. Starting from 69th in the world, he climbed to 14th, with a high of 12 in August. His partnership with Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara led them to victory at the All England Club and four titles in the past 12 months.
Post-Wimbledon: On the Radar and Under Pressure
After Wimbledon, Patten and Heliovaara found themselves on more people's radars. They now spend more time with the top guys in the game week in, week out. However, their recent results have been a mix. While they won Wimbledon, their end-of-year performance hasn't been as crazy good. On one hand, winning Wimbledon gave them confidence, but on the other hand, there's more pressure as opponents are now more prepared and scouting them. After losing in the third round at the US Open and reaching the final in Beijing and Stockholm, Patten reflects on the journey.He said, "Our [recent] results have been a rollercoaster. Winning Wimbledon was a huge boost, but it also brought more attention and pressure. We're constantly evolving and adapting to the new challenges."The Impact of Wimbledon on Their Careers
Wimbledon was a turning point for Patten and Heliovaara. It opened doors and gave them the belief that they can compete with anyone and win any tournament. But it also came with its challenges. As they move forward, they need to manage the increased pressure and expectations.Patten added, "Tennis is a tough sport, and you have to respect it. Some matches you win, and some you lose. It's not always in your control, no matter how hard you work or how much potential you have. We're learning to handle these situations and keep moving forward."Preparing for 2025: A Two-Week Break and Beyond
After a busy year, Patten is planning a two-week break to visit his girlfriend in the USA. Then, he'll fly down under to begin preparations for the 2025 season. The early start due to the date fall in Australia is a new experience for him.He said, "I'm looking forward to this break and then getting back to work. The 2025 season is going to be tough, but I'm ready for the challenge. I'll be giving it my all and aiming for more success."