Eight of the world's best doubles teams have arrived in Turin, each with their sights set on lifting the Nitto ATP Finals trophy. Across the next eight days, they will battle through a demanding round-robin stage before the semi-finals and final determine the champions.
The field is packed with winning pedigree. Second seeds Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski claimed major titles at the Australian Open and US Open this year, while third seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos triumphed at Roland Garros. Fifth seeds Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori and eighth seeds Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos have also enjoyed multiple ATP Masters 1000 title runs.
But when it comes to winning in Turin, two teams in particular know what it takes. Top seeds and defending champions Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten lifted the trophy 12 months ago, while Germans Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz were champions in 2024.
So what is the secret to success at the season finale? ATPTour.com caught up with all four former champions to find out.
“You have to play very well, that is clear,” Patten said. “But I think the consistency is key, especially on an indoor hard court. The margins are always going to be very, very fine, so you have to play well for longer than the other pair for it to matter tactically. It is finding that level in those moments.”
Puetz agreed that the smallest details can decide matches when the world's best teams go head to head. For him, staying in contention and making the most of the biggest points is crucial.
“I think you just need to hang around and stay close, as a match tie-break as a decider makes it very tight,” Puetz said. “A lot of times you can win a match where you're really not the better team, but you have just found something in those important stages. I think we managed that quite well in 2024 and overall, we just love the experience and atmosphere here and we used that.”
Be part of the action this fortnight in Turin and sign up here to ATP Unlocked for exclusive coverage in the Nitto ATP Finals Hub.
The Nitto ATP Finals format adds another layer to the challenge. The eight teams are split into two groups of four, with each pairing playing three round-robin matches. The top two from each group advance to the semi-finals, meaning a defeat does not necessarily end a team's hopes.
Heliovaara and Patten know that better than most. The Finnish-British team lost to Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski in the group stage last year, but recovered to reach the knockout rounds and eventually claim the title.
“We used that second chance well last year,” Heliovaara said. “So it kind of takes some pressure off. The format gives a little bit of a way. We have always won the first match here and we are usually good in the first round, so I think even the normal format would suit us well, but we're happy with this one as well.”
Patten highlighted the importance of responding quickly when things do not go to plan.
“I think what Harri said as well is also true, which is when you lose a match, it's important that you're able to bounce back as a pair and as a team really quickly, and having that as an option for your team is a huge advantage,” he said.
With three teams making their Nitto ATP Finals debuts this week, familiarity with the surroundings could also prove valuable. For former champions Krawietz and Puetz, returning to a venue where they have enjoyed success brings confidence rather than pressure.
“We don’t feel pressure at all and it is a nice feeling being here again, as we’ve won in this arena so we know the court well,” Krawietz said. “We've won a lot of matches on that court and feel good here.”
Heliovaara and Patten have also built a strong record in Turin. They are 8-2 at the event and opened their 2026 campaign with a win against Luz and Matos on Sunday.
“Winning it last year was fantastic, so that brings back lots of good memories,” Patten said. “It is also our third year being here, so we are very familiar with the place and the members of staff we recognise and say hi to. It all feels very familiar and we feel comfortable here.”
Heliovaara and Patten arrive in Turin after another outstanding season. The Finnish-British pairing have captured five titles in 2026, including Wimbledon and Madrid, and have already secured Year-End ATP Doubles No. 1 presented by PIF honours.
Having reached the top, their challenge now is to keep finding new reasons to push forward.
“Now we've reached the top, it's pretty special,” Heliovaara said. “I think we can't go any higher than this, but we can still keep winning. And I think that's interesting, how the relationship develops from underdogs to favourites, and now just trying to not control too much what's happening, but focus on one game at a time and enjoy our company, enjoy what we have achieved, but just leave that in the past when a new match arrives.”
© Copyright 1994 - 2026 ATP Tour, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc.. Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Community Social Media Policy | Modern Slavery Statement | Feedback | Cookies | Your Privacy Choices 
