MANNINGTREE’S Henry Patten has described reaching the top of the doubles world rankings with Harri Heliovaara as one of the greatest achievements of his career.
The Colchester-born British tennis star and his Finnish partner have secured the year-end ATP number one doubles ranking for the first time after another outstanding season.
Patten and Heliovaara, who only joined forces in 2024, confirmed top spot after reaching the semi-finals of the Paris Masters, a run which also secured their place at the ATP Finals.
For the very first time, Henry Patten & Harri Heliovaara are the Year-End World No. 1 doubles pairing! 😍🌍 🏆 Adelaide 🏆 Doha 🏆 Dubai 🏆 Madrid 🏆 Wimbledon https://t.co/zk9130UHzP
— LTA (@the_LTA) November 9, 2026
The pair successfully defended their Wimbledon crown during a superb 2026 campaign and also lifted titles in Adelaide, Doha, Dubai and Madrid.
Patten told ATPTour.com: “It’s an incredible achievement, one that goes to the very top of my list of best achievements as a tennis player.
“When I look back on the journey me and Harri have been on together, when we started in 2024 I was ranked around number 60 in the world and Harri was around number 40.
More stories
Ex-Colchester United midfielder taken to hospital after collapse
Danny Cowley reveals phone call over key Colchester United decisions
Colchester United hit by multiple fresh injury blows as list grows
“In two years we’ve worked incredibly hard and to go from where we started to where we are now, on top of the world, is beautiful.
“And to do it with Harri the whole way, we haven’t changed partners, we’ve stuck together through good and bad, makes it all the more special.”
Heliovaara added: “One of the crazy dreams comes true again. A few years ago I would have never imagined this could be possible.”
Patten and Heliovaara will now head to Turin for the ATP Finals, where they will attempt to become only the sixth doubles team to successfully retain the title, having previously secured the Nitto ATP Finals title .
Patten is then due to link up with the Great Britain Davis Cup squad for the Finals in Bologna.
Share