Young Federer Wins Australian Open Boys’ Title

Henry Bernet achieved something Roger Federer did not: he won the Australian Open boys’ title on Saturday, with the young Swiss using similarities to his legendary compatriot as motivation.

Bernet defeated American Benjamin Willwerth 6-3, 6-4 on his 18th birthday, joining Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Gael Monfils in winning the Melbourne trophy.

Federer won six Australian Opens among his 20 Grand Slam wins, although he never won the junior title.

Both Bernet and Federer are Basel locals who attended the same tennis club, TC Old Boys Basel.

In addition, Bernet uses the same classic one-handed backhand that Federer did, and he is now coached by Severin Luthi, who was once on Federer’s team.

When asked how he would deal with the inevitable comparisons as he joins the main ATP Tour, Bernet replied: “I’m just trying to develop myself, kind of make my own journey.”

But there will always be some parallels. That is not an issue for me. “It’s motivation.”

He has only faced Federer once, at last year’s US Open.

“I would love to talk to him again,” he remarked when asked if he expected a phone call from the 43-year-old following his Australian debut.