Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten showed their resolve to overcome a stern challenge and avoid an opening upset on Sunday at the Nitto ATP Finals.
The top seeds and World No. 1s began their title defence by overcoming Brazilians Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos 6-3, 5-7, 10-4 in the tournament’s opening match in Turin. Following a dominant display in the Match Tie-break to defeat the first-time qualifiers, Heliovaara and Patten moved to 1-0 in the Todd Woodbridge Group.
Luz and Matos, who claimed ATP Masters 1000 titles in Montreal and Cincinnati this year, found their rhythm in a tightly contested second set to force a decider. However, Heliovaara and Patten underlined why they are the team to beat this week, responding emphatically to take control of the Match Tie-break.
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Heliovaara and Patten last week secured the ATP Year-End Doubles No. 1 presented by PIF honours for the first time, capping a remarkable 2026 season in which they have captured five tour-level titles.
They will continue their bid for a second consecutive trophy in Turin on Tuesday, when they face Marcelo Arevalo/Mate Pavic or Theo Arribage/Albano Olivetti.
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