Finland’s Harri Heliovaara and Briton Henry Patten fought again from a set right down to win the Australian Open males’s doubles title on Sunday, defeating Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 6-7(16), 7-6(5), 6-3.
The victory gave Heliovaara and Patten their second Grand Slam crown after they triumphed at Wimbledon final 12 months, whereas for the Italians it was extra heartbreak after shedding each the Australian and the French Open finals final 12 months.
“May I’ve accomplished it with out you, Henry? I don’t assume so,” Heliovaara stated.
“In a workforce sport, doubles, an important factor is to seek out your self a superb companion and I’ve succeeded in that fairly effectively, not solely on the tennis courtroom however exterior the courtroom we’re such good buddies.
“And I believe that’s what retains us shut collectively on the tennis courtroom and brings us titles like this, tremendous grateful.”
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The Italian third seeds began strongly, breaking serve within the opening recreation, and after failing to serve out the primary set at 5-4, they prevailed in an exhilarating tiebreak to win an 87-minute opening set.
Sixth seeds Heliovaara and Patten got here out on prime in a a lot shorter tiebreaker to power a 3rd set, and after an early break allowed them take a 3-0 lead, they saved three break factors to carry serve and win after over three hours on courtroom.
“Robust last — among the finest I’ve performed,” Bolelli stated because the presentation ceremony stretched towards 2 a.m. Sunday native time. “We tried this 12 months, one other last. We performed a extremely good match. We didn’t get the trophy, however we’re going to come back again subsequent 12 months and check out once more.”