The moment has arrived: Henry Bernet makes his debut among the adults

Fernando Murciego | 24 Feb 2025 | 08.56

Severin Lüthi alongside Henry Bernet. Source: Keystone

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The tennis world was amazed at the recent Australian Open by the figure of Henry Bernet, the 18-year-old Swiss player who conquered the junior draw, leaving some gestures reminiscent of the early days of his compatriot Roger Federer. The comparisons seem inevitable, especially considering that Severin Lüthi, the man who accompanied the 20-time Grand Slam champion for 15 seasons, is one of the current members of his team. It was precisely with him that the Watson portal spoke to learn more about the work they are doing to polish this diamond that they eagerly welcome in Switzerland.

"I know people love these parallels, and indeed I recognize there are some obvious similarities between the two, but the reality is that Henry will never become the same player Roger was," Luthi states to close this matter quickly. "He is only 18 years old, he still has to find his identity as a player and as a person. Right now, he doesn't even know what kind of player he is and what he might become," concludes the Bernese coach.

“My mind is filled with multiple challenges when working with Henry,” says the man who has been serving as the Davis Cup captain for two decades. "Firstly, I want to see him show the same motivation, discipline, and passion every day, regardless of whether he is playing in small tournaments where conditions are not ideal, the court is poor, and the lighting is not optimal. I want to see if he remains the same even where there are hardly any spectators because he most likely still needs to develop certain maturity,” said Severin, who will turn 50 next January.

"Secondly, I want to see his long-term goals, it is normal for a young player to risk becoming impatient if things do not progress. He seems very professional for now, but more is not always better; I have learned this over the years. There is a danger that a player might burn out and let go. There is even the risk of thinking that, by having the best team around you, it automatically makes you a better player,” evaluates the Swiss, who, along with Sven Swinnen, forms the coaching duo for Bernet.

PROFESSIONAL DEBUT IN LUGANO

After remaining undefeated in Traralgon and the Australian Open (12-0), the two junior tournaments played this season, Henry Bernet's activity came to a sudden halt to give the young man ample breathing space, but also to return to his training base and begin preparing for the next step. His return will happen this week at the Challenger de Lugano (hard indoor), a tournament that did not hesitate to offer him a wildcard. It will be his professional debut, surrounded by his people, in a familiar environment but with high expectations. Hopefully, patience will not run out with a young man in the midst of his development.

"When you work with an 18-year-old, you have to have a strong opinion because many things may be considered from the surroundings, but he can and must decide for himself, he has to have clear ideas,” Luthi reinforces about the stage of the process they are currently in. "So far, I have a good feeling; Henry is a boy who listens and wants to progress, which is a very good sign. I believe in him and his potential; now he has to find his own path, so we will help him with that,” he concludes.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Llegó el momento: Henry Bernet debuta entre los mayores