Henry Bernet made history on Saturday by clinching the Australian Open boys’ title, achieving what Roger Federer never did in his junior career.
On his 18th birthday, Bernet defeated American Benjamin Willwerth 6-3, 6-4 to join the ranks of former champions such as Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Gael Monfils.
Despite Federer’s illustrious career, which includes six Australian Open titles and 20 Grand Slam victories, the junior crown in Melbourne eluded him.
Bernet, a fellow Basel native, shares a connection with Federer as both honed their skills at the same tennis club, TC Old Boys Basel.
Using comparisons to Federer as motivation, Bernet continues to rise as one of Switzerland’s most promising young talents.
In other similarities, Bernet employs the same classic one-handed backhand that served Federer so well and he is now being coached by Severin Luthi, who was long by the Swiss great’s side.
Asked how he would handle the inevitable comparisons as he joins the main ATP Tour, Bernet said: “I’m just trying to develop myself, kind of make my own journey.
“But obviously there’s always going to be some comparisons. That’s not a problem for me. It’s a motivation.”
He has only met Federer once, at last year’s US Open.
“I would love to talk to him again,” he said when asked whether he expected a phone call from the 43-year-old after his Australian breakthrough.