Henry Bernet accomplished what Roger Federer never did by clinching the Australian Open boys' championship on Saturday, with the young Swiss drawing inspiration from comparisons to his renowned countryman.
The Swiss talent defeated American Benjamin Willwerth 6-3, 6-4 on his 18th birthday, joining distinguished players like Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios and Gael Monfils as winners of the Melbourne junior title.
Despite Federer's impressive collection of six Australian Opens within his 20 Grand Slam victories, the junior title remained notably absent from his achievements.
Both tennis players hail from Basel and developed their skills at TC Old Boys Basel tennis club.
Additionally, Bernet utilises the same single-handed backhand technique that characterised Federer's success, and now trains under Severin Luthi, who previously worked extensively with the Swiss champion.
When questioned about managing inevitable parallels as he enters the main ATP Tour, Bernet stated: "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."
His sole encounter with Federer occurred during last year's US Open.
"I would love to talk to him again," he expressed when asked if he anticipated a call from the 43-year-old following his Australian achievement.
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