Britain's Henry Patten seals Australian Open doubles title with Harri Heliovaara after 'amazing match'

Henry Patten of Great Britain celebrated his first Australian Open men's doubles title alongside partner Harri Heliovaara of Finland after a final for the ages in Melbourne. A three-set, three-hour epic didn't reach its conclusion until almost 2am local time, when Patten landed the match-winning ace to beat Italians Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli. "There shouldn't have been a loser," he said.

Britain's Patten and Heliovaara edge marathon doubles final - Australian Open highlights

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Britain’s Henry Patten said there "should not have been a loser" after winning a marathon men’s doubles final to claim his first Australian Open title.

Playing alongside Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara, Patten came from behind to beat Italian pair Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli 6-7(16) 7-6(5) 6-3 in three hours and four minutes.

The clock was approaching 2am local time when Patten hammered down an ace on match point and collapsed to the ground in celebration.

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"Bloody hell, what an evening," Patten said.

"Firstly, I want to thank everyone that's stayed out here and watched us play -- you guys are a little bit crazy, but I love you for it."

It was the second major title Patten and Heliovaara have claimed together after last year’s Wimbledon triumph.

Watch moment Britain’s Patten seals Australian Open doubles glory with Heliovaara

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However, it was a painful moment for Vavassori and Bolelli as they suffered defeat at the final hurdle in Melbourne for a second consecutive year.

"What an amazing match," Patten added.

"Second year in a row for you guys, but I know you will be back. You showed such good fight and there shouldn't really have been a loser of this match. It was amazing, and I wish you guys all the best. "

Seeded sixth in Melbourne, Patten and Heliovaara had to dig deep to overcome the No. 3-seeded Italians, who came into the final on a nine-match winning streak.

Vavassori/Bolelli claimed an epic 87-minute opening set, saving 10 set points as they won a lengthy tie-break 18-16.

Keys stuns Sabalenka to claim maiden Grand Slam title - Australian Open highlights

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But Patten/Heliovaara came back strongly, making shorter work of the second set tie-break to send the match to a decider, where a break in their first return game ultimately set them on course for victory.

"Could I have done it without you, Henry? I don't think so. It's a team sport in doubles," Heliovaara said.

"The most important thing is to find yourself a good partner and I've succeeded in that.

"Not only on the tennis court, we are such good friends. I think that's what keeps us close together on the court and brings us titles like this."