Miami Open runners-up Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten apologised to the crowd after missing out on the men’s doubles title. The Finnish-British duo came into Saturday’s final on an 11-match winning streak after lifting titles in Doha and Dubai. But they came up short against No. 7 seeds Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, losing 6-4 6-2.

Heliovaara and Patten were no match for the Italian duo. At one point during the second set, courtside commentator Mike Cation said Patten was looking at their team box and shaking his head in defeat. After the match, both men conceded that Bolelli and Vavassori had been the better players.

Stepping up to the microphone, Heliovaara said: “Me and Henry had an unbelievable start to the season, three titles already. But we have not felt as uncomfortable on the court as today for a long time. So congrats, guys, for making us destroy ourselves with your crazy good game! You deserve it today.”

The 36-year-old then stepped aside to let his British partner say some words. “Thanks everyone for coming out, supporting. Sorry we couldn’t give you more of a show, it was a bit rubbish today,” Patten told the crowd.

“We really wanted to have a fun match, we usually have fun matches with these guys. Two of the nicest guys on tour, but not too fun to play on a tennis court, unfortunately! Congrats to your entire team. Thank you to our team who have been supporting us all week and all year, couldn’t do it without you guys.”

Heliovaara and Patten came into the final with a commanding 5-1 head-to-head against Bolelli and Vavasorri. They’d already beaten the Italians twice this year, on their way to lifting trophies in Doha and Adelaide. So Bolelli and Vavassori were happy to get their revenge.

“We are really happy, this is our first [Masters] 1000 trophy together. First of all, I wanted to congratulate the guys here. We lost many times against you guys, today was one for us! But an amazing start to the season, so good luck for the rest of the season,” Bolelli said during his victory speech.

It’s been a difficult time for Bolelli, whose father, Daniele, is currently unwell. The 40-year-old had to miss Indian Wells recently and dedicated his Miami Open title to his parents. “I want to dedicate this victory to my parents, especially my dad is facing a tough time now,” he said.

Vavassori also paid tribute to Bolelli’s father after the match. In Italian, he wrote: “Hold on, dad. For you, Dani,” on the camera lens. During his own winning speech, Vavassori added: “I really admire my partner. I think you are one of the best people out there.

“For me, the strength to be here today with your father at home, I’m really proud of you, and I want to dedicate this title to Daniele.”

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