University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Bulldog alum Henry Patten shows well in Wimbledon debut
06.29.2022 | Men's Tennis
Former men's tennis star (2019) competed in doubles Wednesday
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – For the first time in program history, UNC Asheville Men's Tennis had a former Bulldog compete at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, as Henry Patten (2019) competed in the Gentlemen's Doubles on Wednesday morning.
"I've been coming here for years, I've worked here, I've watched matches here, so it was amazing to finally play here," Patten said of his Wimbledon experience. "Never imagined I'd be playing here so just trying to take it all in and enjoy it as much as possible."
A three-time Big South Player of the Year and 2018 Oracle ITA Doubles Fall National Champion (with Oli Nolan), Patten teamed up with fellow United Kingdom native Julian Cash as the unseeded duo faced Santiago Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, falling to the No. 13-seeded duo in a hard-fought three sets.
"This is the biggest tournament me and Julian have played in by far," Patten said. "We're just trying to take it all in and build and keep going. We're looking forward to getting back on the road, playing more tournaments and representing the Asheville Bulldogs."
Patten and Cash battled for every single point, including forcing a first-set tiebreak. Gonzalez (Mexico) and Molteni (Argentia) took set one narrowly (7-6, 7-5 tiebreak) and had to battle to the end in each of the next two sets before claiming them 6-4, 6-4 for the victory.
🎾 ICYMI: Take a look at some of these highlights from Henry Patten's debut at #Wimbledon Wednesday!#ALLinAVL #Wimbulldog pic.twitter.com/v7o0zB4NAA
— UNC Asheville Men's Tennis (@UNCAvlMTennis) June 29, 2022
Patten and Cash totaled 12 aces and had 20 winners in the match and can certainly hold their heads high.
"The duo Henry and Julian faced today was one of the best in the world," said UNC Asheville Men's Tennis Coach Tom Hand, who was courtside on the Wimbledon grounds taking in the action. "I expect great things are in store for them (Patten/Cash). Some other Bulldog alums were here in support. So proud to see UNC Asheville represented on such a big stage."
Players Mentioned
