Tennis

In a remarkable Wimbledon triumph, Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara, a British-Finnish duo who had only teamed up in April, defied the odds to claim the men's doubles crown. Their victory marked a stunning achievement for two players who had previously struggled to find success in the sport.Patten, 28, had never won a main draw match at Wimbledon before this tournament. His previous experience at the All England Club was limited to collecting statistics as an IBM employee in 2016 and 2017. "My first job at Wimbledon was doing the stats for IBM, which I guess got me familiar with the grounds," Patten said. "It might have given me some advantage."Heliovaara, 35, had won the 2023 US Open mixed doubles title, but he had given up playing singles over a decade ago after failing to make a breakthrough. He then held various jobs, including at the Finnish tennis federation and the Helsinki airport, before a trip to Wimbledon as a tourist rekindled his passion for the game. "I stopped playing when I was 23," he said. "I won one match in singles qualification at Wimbledon and I am very proud of that."The Patten-Heliovaara partnership proved to be a formidable force at Wimbledon. They dumped out three top-10 seeds en route to the final, including the top-seeded pair of Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski. In the championship match, they faced the accomplished Australian duo of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson, the 15th seeds.The final was a nail-biting affair, with both teams trading blows. Patten and Heliovaara eventually prevailed in a thrilling three-set battle, winning 6-7(7), 7-6(8), 7-6(9). They saved three championship points against Purcell and Thompson, showcasing their resilience and determination.Their victory is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unexpected paths that can lead to sporting glory. Patten and Heliovaara's triumph serves as an inspiration to all those who dare to dream big, regardless of their past experiences or perceived limitations.

Wimbledon 2024 has witnessed the emergence of several unheralded players eager to make their mark on the hallowed grass courts. Among them, Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and New Zealand's Lulu Sun have captured the attention of tennis enthusiasts with their remarkable performances.Perricard, a lucky loser in the qualifying rounds, defied the odds to reach the fourth round. His journey was marked by a series of impressive victories, including a stunning upset over 2024 Australian Open finalist Qinwen Zheng.Sun, a 23-year-old qualifier, also made history by becoming the first New Zealander to reach the women's quarterfinals at Wimbledon since Chris Lewis in 1983. Her run included a memorable victory over 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the fourth round.Sun's global upbringing has shaped her unique perspective on the game. Born to a Chinese mother and Croatian father, she was raised in Switzerland and attended college in the United States. Her diverse experiences have instilled in her a deep appreciation for the global nature of tennis."It wasn't an easy decision [to choose New Zealand]," Sun said after her victory over Raducanu. "But I'm grateful for everything that Swiss tennis has done for me. I'm also grateful for Tennis New Zealand for their support."Sun's success at Wimbledon has not only been a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for her home country. Her journey has ignited a renewed passion for tennis in New Zealand and has shown that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

With the prestigious Roland Garros tournament approaching, tennis enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the potential victors. While Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner are the current betting favorites, it's prudent to consider players who excel on clay courts. Here are four underdogs to watch out for:Stefanos Tsitsipas (12-1):Tsitsipas' recent triumph at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he defeated formidable opponents like Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud, has reignited his confidence. His exceptional serve and devastating forehand make him a formidable threat on clay. Despite his occasional backhand struggles, the slower surface mitigates this weakness. Tsitsipas' previous Roland Garros final appearance in 2021 and his consistent performances on clay suggest he's capable of another deep run.Casper Ruud (12-1):Ruud may not possess the raw power to overcome the elite players at their peak, but his unwavering consistency and relentless baseline strokes make him a formidable opponent on clay. The Norwegian's two consecutive Roland Garros runner-up finishes demonstrate his ability to navigate the tournament's challenges. Expect another extended run from Ruud, providing an opportunity for hedging and potential winnings.Alexander Zverev (12-1):Despite a lackluster clay-court season, Zverev remains a dangerous contender at Roland Garros. His world-class serve, backhand, and baseline grinding ability make him a formidable opponent. While his forehand consistency can be a concern, the slow clay surface allows him to compensate by taking his time and dictating the pace. Zverev's three consecutive Roland Garros semifinals suggest he's capable of reaching the latter stages once again.Grigor Dimitrov (125-1):Dimitrov's career record at Roland Garros may not be impressive, but his recent Top 10 status and consistent performances in major tournaments make him an intriguing underdog. His exceptional slice and high-level serving can trouble opponents on clay. While his odds are long, Dimitrov's potential for a deep run should not be underestimated.