British Tennis Star Henry Patten Discusses His Passion for Chess and Tennis Career

British tennis star Henry Patten, fresh off his Wimbledon doubles victory, has revealed his deep passion for chess and how it has benefited his tennis career. In an exclusive interview with Chess.com, Patten shared insights into his love for the game and how it has sharpened his mind.

Patten, a British professional tennis player ranked as high as world number-17 in doubles, opened up about his journey to tennis glory and his newfound love for chess. Despite not playing much chess during his college tennis days, Patten picked up the game seriously during the pandemic and has since become an avid player.

With close to 3,000 games played on Chess.com and almost 10,000 puzzles solved, Patten’s dedication to chess is evident. He even played chess during tournaments and before matches, citing the game’s strategic nature as a key factor in improving his tennis skills.

While Patten’s triumph at Wimbledon was not solely attributed to his chess skills, he acknowledged the benefits of keeping his mind active through the game. His daily chess routine includes solving puzzles and playing daily games to stay sharp and focused.

Patten joins a list of tennis stars, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, who have expressed their love for chess. The crossover between the two sports is not uncommon, with many players finding similarities in strategy and mental acuity required for success.

As Patten gears up for his upcoming events in Washington, Montreal, and Cincinnati before the US Open, both the chess and tennis worlds will be eagerly watching his next moves. With his passion for chess fueling his success on the tennis court, Patten’s story is a testament to the benefits of embracing multiple passions.