Mouratoglou on Bernet: "Being compared to Federer puts a lot of pressure"
At the beginning of 2025, an 18-year-old Swiss player, Henry Bernet, made headlines by winning the Australian Open juniors, defeating American Benjamin Willwerth (6-3, 6-4).
Ranked 778th in the world at his best in November 2024, Bernet has been compared to Roger Federer since his victory, due to his nationality and certain similarities in his playing style with the Swiss legend.
Now coaching Naomi Osaka, Patrick Mouratoglou believes that comparing young players to champions like Federer does not do them any favors.
"I understand why this player is being compared to Roger Federer, even though, in my opinion, it is a heavy burden to bear and it will be difficult for him.
First of all, he is Swiss like Roger. Secondly, he has a one-handed backhand like Roger. And thirdly, he has won a Grand Slam in the juniors. So I understand the comparison. But is he the same type of player?
I don't know Henry Bernet well enough to say, but when I watched his videos, he goes to the net, he has a good feel for the shots. But no one should put too much pressure on him now.
There is another player I know very well, Grigor Dimitrov, who was compared to Roger when he was 16 or 17 years old. There is nothing better than being compared to Federer, but it puts a lot of pressure.
It is very difficult for these young players to handle this pressure, knowing that they have not yet achieved anything. Winning a junior title is good, but they are juniors. They still have their entire career ahead of them," Mouratoglou told Tennis World Italia.
