Henry Bernet: Roger Federer’s Protégé Wins Australian Open Boys’ Singles 2025

Henry Bernet: The New Rising Star of Swiss Tennis

Swiss tennis has long been synonymous with legends like Roger Federer, Martina Hingis, and Stan Wawrinka.¹

In 2025, a new name joined the illustrious list of Swiss tennis icons—Henry Bernet.

The 18-year-old rising star etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Swiss player to win the boys’ singles title at the Australian Open.

His remarkable triumph not only marks the arrival of a promising talent but also signals a bright future for Swiss tennis.

A Birthday to Remember: Bernet’s Historic Victory

Celebrating your 18th birthday is a milestone, but Henry Bernet took it a step further by clinching the boys’ singles trophy at the Australian Open on January 25, 2025.

The young Swiss achieved this feat by defeating American Benjamin Willwerth in a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory in the final.

His composure, tactical brilliance, and mental fortitude throughout the match demonstrated his maturity beyond his years.

This victory was not just about the title; it was a statement. Bernet’s performance under the intense pressure of a Grand Slam final showcased his ability to handle big moments, a quality often seen in the game’s greats. For Bernet, this win is the first step in what promises to be a stellar career.

Henry Bernet: Impressive Campaign

Bernet’s journey to the title was no less than extraordinary. Entering the tournament as the eighth seed, he faced a series of tough opponents, losing only one set in the entire event.²

Here’s a closer look at his campaign:

• First Round: Defeated Brazil’s Luis Guto in straight sets, setting the tone for his tournament.
• Second Round: Overcame Japan’s Naoto Tomizawa with ease, demonstrating his ability to dominate from the baseline.
• Third Round: Faced his toughest test against Serbia’s Ognjen Milic. Bernet found himself on the brink of elimination but pulled off a stunning 4-6, 7-6(8), 7-6(2) comeback, showcasing his resilience and mental strength.
• Quarterfinals: Outplayed Czechia’s Jan Kumstat in straight sets, highlighting his ability to transition between defensive and offensive play.
• Semifinals: Breezed past Finland’s Oskari Paldanius with a clinical performance, sealing his spot in the final.

Bernet’s ability to remain focused and execute his strategies under pressure was a key factor in his success. His third-round match against Milic, in particular, stands out as a testament to his never-say-die attitude.

Following in the Footsteps of Swiss Legends

Henry Bernet’s victory places him in elite company. He is now the sixth Swiss player to win a boys’ singles Grand Slam title, joining the ranks of legends like Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka.

Federer triumphed at Wimbledon in 1998, while Wawrinka won the French Open boys’ title in 2003. Both players went on to achieve remarkable success in their professional careers, and Bernet aspires to follow in their footsteps.

Bernet has often spoken about the influence of Federer and Wawrinka on his career. In interviews, he has cited Federer’s elegance and composure and Wawrinka’s raw power and determination as sources of inspiration.

“To be mentioned alongside them is an honor,” Bernet said after his Australian Open victory. “I hope to carry forward their legacy and make Switzerland proud.”

Henry Bernet: The Role of Roger Federer in His Journey

Roger Federer’s impact on Swiss tennis extends far beyond his playing career, and Henry Bernet is a prime example.³

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has been a mentor and supporter of young talents, and Bernet is one of the players who has benefited from Federer’s guidance.

Interestingly, just days before the Australian Open, Bernet announced a 5-year sponsorship deal with Federer-backed Swiss sportswear brand On Running.

The partnership reflects Federer’s belief in Bernet’s potential to become a future star. On Running has already signed other prominent players like Iga Swiatek, Ben Shelton, Flavio Cobolli, and Joao Fonseca, further cementing its presence in tennis.

The collaboration with On Running is not just a business deal but also a symbol of Bernet’s growing stature in the tennis world. Wearing gear associated with Federer adds an extra layer of motivation for the young star.

A Mental Giant at 18: Bernet’s Resilience

• One of the most striking aspects of Henry Bernet’s game is his mental toughness. At just 18, he has displayed the ability to stay calm under pressure, a quality that often separates good players from great ones.
• His third-round match against Ognjen Milic was a perfect example of this resilience.
• Trailing by a set and facing defeat, Bernet dug deep to save multiple match points and eventually secured a hard-fought victory.
• His clutch play in the tiebreaks demonstrated his nerves of steel. This mental fortitude will serve him well as he transitions to the professional circuit, where matches are won as much in the mind as on the court.
• Bernet’s historic win at the Australian Open is just the beginning. The transition from junior to professional tennis is challenging, but Bernet seems well-prepared to take on the next phase of his career.
• His immediate goals include improving his ATP ranking and gaining experience on the Challenger Tour.
• “I know the road ahead will be tough, but I’m ready to work hard and make my mark,” Bernet said in a post-match interview.
• He also expressed his desire to compete in the main draws of ATP tournaments and test himself against the best in the world.
• With his powerful baseline game, solid serve, and exceptional court coverage, Bernet has the tools to succeed at the highest level. His ability to adapt to different surfaces and conditions will be crucial as he navigates the professional circuit.

Swiss Tennis in Safe Hands

Henry Bernet’s rise comes at a time when Swiss tennis is looking for its next big star. With Federer retired and Wawrinka in the twilight of his career, the spotlight is on the younger generation.

Bernet’s success at the Australian Open has reignited hope for Swiss tennis fans.

The Swiss Tennis Federation has also played a significant role in nurturing young talents like Bernet.

Their emphasis on grassroots development and access to world-class training facilities has created a pipeline of promising players.

Henry Bernet Collaborates with Roger Federer’s Former Coach

The world of tennis witnessed a significant development recently when rising Swiss tennis star Henry Bernet announced his collaboration with Severin Lüthi, the former coach of the legendary Roger Federer.

For Bernet, who hails from Basel, sharing more than just a birthplace with Federer has always been a dream. The teenager has modeled his game after Federer, even wielding a one-handed backhand, a rare and elegant weapon in modern tennis.

With this new partnership, Bernet looks poised to elevate his game to new heights and make a strong case as the future face of Swiss tennis.

Let’s explore how this collaboration came about, what it means for Bernet’s career, and the role his longtime coach Kai Stentenbach has played in shaping his journey so far.

Severin Lüthi: A Proven Mentor

Severin Lüthi is no stranger to tennis greatness. The Swiss coach has been a pivotal figure in Roger Federer’s career, serving as his coach and confidant for more than a decade.

Lüthi’s contributions were instrumental in Federer’s journey to becoming one of the greatest players in tennis history.

Lüthi’s coaching philosophy emphasizes consistency, mental strength, and adaptability—qualities that Bernet aims to embody as he transitions from a promising talent to an established player.

After briefly coaching Holger Rune in 2024, Lüthi has now joined Bernet’s team, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the teenager.

The collaboration is expected to provide Bernet with valuable insights and strategies to navigate the challenges of the professional tennis circuit.

Lüthi’s wealth of experience, combined with Bernet’s raw talent, makes for a promising partnership that could yield remarkable results.

Henry Bernet: Who Is He?

A Rising Star in Swiss Tennis

Henry Bernet has been the talk of the tennis world in recent years. At just 19 years old, he has already shown glimpses of his immense potential with a playing style reminiscent of his idol, Roger Federer.

Bernet’s elegant one-handed backhand, strong court presence, and tactical intelligence have earned him comparisons to the Swiss maestro.

Born and raised in Basel, the same city that nurtured Federer, Bernet grew up idolizing the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Watching Federer dominate the tennis courts inspired the young Bernet to pursue a professional tennis career.

“Growing up, Federer was more than a tennis player to me; he was an icon. I wanted to play the game the way he did, with elegance and precision,” Bernet once said in an interview.

While Bernet’s rise to prominence has been rapid, his journey has been anything but easy. From battling injuries to navigating the pressure of being labeled as “the next Federer,” the young Swiss player has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.

 

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Australian Open 2025: A Turning Point

• The 2025 Australian Open proved to be a defining moment in Bernet’s career. The young Swiss player not only showcased his potential but also won his first Grand Slam title, cementing his status as a player to watch.
• Interestingly, during the tournament, Bernet was still accompanied by his longtime coach, Kai Stentenbach. The duo has shared a remarkable journey, with Stentenbach playing a crucial role in Bernet’s development as a player.
• Bernet’s emotional victory speech in Melbourne highlighted the depth of their partnership.
• “I wouldn’t be standing here without you,” Bernet said, addressing Stentenbach. “You were the coach that gave me the belief that I could win one of these big tournaments, and now I just did. It makes me super happy because I know that I wouldn’t be standing here without you.”
• The Australian Open victory was not just a testament to Bernet’s talent but also a celebration of the bond between a player and his coach.
• Stentenbach’s departure from Bernet’s team following the tournament marked the end of an era, but it also paved the way for Lüthi to step in and guide the young star.