In a remarkable achievement that even tennis legend Roger Federer couldn’t accomplish, Swiss teenager Henry Bernet clinched the Australian Open boys’ singles title on Saturday, a victory that marked both his 18th birthday and a major milestone in his budding career.
Bernet defeated American Benjamin Willwerth with a solid 6-3, 6-4 victory, securing his place in tennis history alongside rising stars like Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Gael Monfils.
While Federer boasts six Australian Open titles among his 20 Grand Slam victories, the junior championship never fell into his collection, making Bernet’s win even more significant.
Both players hail from Basel, Switzerland, and honed their skills at the same tennis club, TC Old Boys Basel, creating an undeniable connection between them.
Bernet’s playing style also bears a striking resemblance to Federer’s, notably his elegant one-handed backhand, a shot that has been a hallmark of the Swiss maestro’s game.
And like Federer, Bernet is now under the tutelage of Severin Luthi, who was a long-time coach of the tennis icon.
Despite the inevitable comparisons, Bernet is determined to carve out his own path on the ATP Tour. When asked about dealing with the parallels to Federer, Bernet responded with poise, saying, “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.”
Bernet’s brief encounter with Federer, which took place at the US Open last year, left a lasting impression. Asked whether he expected a congratulatory call from the 43-year-old legend after his Australian breakthrough, Bernet smiled, “I would love to talk to him again.”
With his first major junior title in hand, the future looks bright for Bernet, who is poised to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious countryman, while building his own legacy on the global tennis stage.
