There were tears from the winning pair on Saturday, while the losing duo were left wondering how they had not become champions.

“It couldn’t have been a closer match,” said Patten, telling the crowd: “You all are amazing. So many of my family members and friends have come here and I thank you all.”

In the following news conference, he added: “It’s completely surreal. My dad came up to me and said ‘That was like a bank robbery’, which is harsh but fair.

“It seemed like we were always down. First set tie-break, 6-1 down, clawed back, lost. Second set tie-break 5-2 down, lucky net cord, pretty good return, but pretty lucky, clawed it back.

“Mini-breaks down in the third-set tie-break. Didn’t get near to their serves all match. Yeah, blew open the doors and ran away with the trophy at the end of it.”

Heliovaara added: “We were a little lucky, but sometimes you need luck to win a tennis match. We will definitely enjoy it. The tears you see, it’s all very emotional.”

Thompson, who lost to American Brandon Nakashima in the second round of the men’s singles, summed up the beaten pair’s thoughts by saying: “I’m devastated. We were so close.”

Purcell was aiming for his second Wimbledon success after he and fellow Australian Matthew Ebden won the doubles in 2022.

Assessing his latest final appearance, Purcell said: “It was a great match for the crowd. I’m super happy for the boys, they deserved it.

“You don’t know how many times you will be here so enjoy it, all the best.”