Henry Bernet from Switzerland disclosed that he got a congratulatory email from the family of ex-world number one Roger Federer following his victory in the Australian Open. The 18-year-old, often seen as the next ‘Roger Federer’, conquered Benjamin Willwerth in the final in straight sets, winning 6-3, 6-4 to claim the Australian Open boys title.
In a post shared on the social media site X — formerly called Twitter — by tennis reporter Simon Cambers, it was disclosed that the young athlete got a call from the family of one of the greatest tennis players ever after his victory in Melbourne. “I got numerous congratulations.” Among the messages was a warm email from the Federer family, including Roger and his parents Lynette and Robert, which brought me much joy. “They conveyed their congratulations and hoped for my great success in my upcoming efforts,” stated Bernet, according to the report.
Even prior to winning the Australian Open boys title, the young player was frequently likened to Federer for several reasons. Both were born in Basel and trained at the same club called Old Boys. Speaking after winning the title in Melbourne on his 18th birthday, Bernet expressed that he aims to carve out his ‘own’ path, regardless of comparisons to the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
“I’m just focusing on my own development, trying to create my own path,” he mentioned at that time. “However, it’s clear that some comparisons will always exist.” That doesn’t bother me. It serves as a source of motivation as well. Sure, perhaps I should concentrate on my own path.
