‘Young Federer’ Wins Australian Open Boys’ Title

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Roger Federer’s success at the Australian Open boys’ title on Saturday did nothing, for the young Swiss was inspired by comparisons to his illustrious compatriot.

Bernet won the Melbourne trophy alongside Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, and Gael Monfils when he defeated American Benjamin Willwerth 6-3, 6-4 on his 18th birthday.

Federer never won the junior title, despite winning six of his 20 Grand Slam titles.

Henry Bernet, of Switzerland, poses with the trophy in the Australian Open tennis championship match against Benjamin Willwerth, of the United States, on day fourteen. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)

After winning their junior boys’ singles match on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis competition in Melbourne on January 25, 2025, Switzerland’s Henry Bernet (R) shakes hands with American Benjamin Willwerth. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)

Both Bernet and Federer both graduated from the same tennis club, TC Old Boys Basel, in Basel.

In other ways, Bernet uses the same classic one-handed backhand that Federer and Severin Luthi, both of whom were close friends with the Swiss legend, have in common.

Bernet responded, “I’m just trying to develop myself and sort of make my own journey,” responding to questions about how he would deal with the unavoidable comparisons he faces as he enters the main ATP Tour.