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ITF World Winter 2020 25 better, so if one guy is playing better, you're like 'I want to catch up' and it is awesome that we have this." While the impending end of their junior careers, for the three older boys at least, might bring a diversification within their personal set-ups, much-valued and appreciated federation support remains. There is also an understanding and acknowledgment of the journey ahead, which will no doubt have both highs and lows. However, there is also an excitement about those next steps and the challenge of progressing and achieving in the professional ranks. "Everyone knows how tough it is to be a pro tennis player and there is a long way to go but if we continue to work as hard as we have in the past and keep looking forwards then, of course, we have a chance," said Von der Schulenburg. "But it is so tough and there are always other good players out there. So, for sure, it is not for certain and the chance is small but if we continue then there is a chance that good things might happen." Stricker reached at least the quarter-final on his last three appearances at a Junior Grand Slam and is of a similar mindset to Von der Schulenburg, believing positive and fulfilling strides can be taken in the coming years. "We all have the things we need to get there," said Stricker, who also won the boys' doubles at Roland Garros alongside Italy's Flavio Cobolli in October. "The four of us hopefully have a big future, with each of us having our own style. Hopefully we will be making big steps in the next couple of years. Each of us will certainly be trying and we will see what happens." It is often debated whether a nation's rich Top and Above The likes of Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka are major sources of inspira on for Switzerland's aspiring players amazing advice and, of course, it is a big inspiration if we can train with Roger and Stan and try and perform as best as we can in front of them," he said. "We pretty much know what they think about us and our games." Riedi's most recent session was with Wawrinka, adding: "He is a really nice guy – very funny also – so it was fantastic. It was another level of tennis and it was perfect. "It's important, if you get such opportunities, to talk to them and ask questions – 'what should I do in a certain circumstance? What can I do better?'. Because of this we can play stronger tennis in the future." Ultimately, however, advice, while precious, can only take a player so far and the rest is up to the individual, a point echoed by Kym, who started playing tennis after finding a racket on his grandmother's birthday when he was just four years old. "Every Swiss player looks up to Roger and Stan. Everyone says they can be the new Roger, but no one can do it the way he did it," Kym told ITFWorld. "Everyone must do it their way. "It is a great opportunity to look up to them and at what they achieved – that is so important. But rather than just watching them and their scores, we must also focus on what we want to achieve." It will be fascinating to see what the future holds for this enterprising foursome. n history and roll call of past achievement brings invaluable inspiration and incentive or an expectation which is insurmountable and ultimately burdensome. Swiss players – Federer, Hingis and Wawrinka – have claimed 28 Grand Slam titles between them, all of which have come since 1997, while Timea Bacsinszky has reached semi-finals and Bencic is currently ranked No. 12. The four aspiring stars are certainly leaning towards the former and the precious access they have had to the likes of Federer and Wawrinka has been pivotal as they attempt to forge ahead in a competitive industry. Kym, Riedi and Stricker, for instance, were invited to stop off in Dubai on their way to January's Australian Open for a training camp with Federer, while there have been other opportunities along the way. Such chances have been seized with both hands. "I met Roger once at the Australian Open, trained with him and it was awesome – I have never been as nervous before in my life," said Von der Schulenburg. "He just said 'you juniors can play at the same speed we can, or similar, it is just that mentally you play the wrong shot in the wrong moment'. What a 45-minute session that was." Federer apparently advised Stricker to improve his serve and, naturally, work began immediately. "He gave such JUNIORS

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