"If it was the final, then I'd be really happy" - Auger-Aliassime on upset victory over Federer

Despite idolizing Roger Federer growing up as a child, Felix-Auger Aliassime refused to be overwhelmed by the moment as he stunned the former World No.1 in their second round encounter at the Noventi Open on Wednesday.

The 20-year old rallied from a set down to upset the fifth-seeded Federer, showing no fear as he pulled off the 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory.

"It’s a great victory, it’s good for my confidence. It was already a great challenge for me to play a player like Roger, but to beat him, it’s a great thing," Auger-Aliassime said. "It makes me really happy. But at the end, it’s the quarter-finals in two days.

"If it was the final, then I’d be really happy… it’s another step in the tournament, it’s a great match, so hopefully I can keep on going like that."

This was the Canadian's first meeting with Federer, and although both men share the same birthday, August 8, there is a 19-year age difference between them.

"In the first set, I didn’t think I could have played much better outside of just missing one forehand in my service game and then he hit two amazing passing shots and I was just like 'Whoa,’" Auger-Aliassime recalled. "I understand how good he is and how good he was when he was No. 1 in the world, so it was tough.

"Everything worked well today, to be honest. I think that’s what you need to do against Roger. On my part, I served really well. I was able to put in a lot of returns, mix up coming to the net, closing well. I think overall I did a good match."

The World No.21 next faces American qualifier Marcos Giron in the quarterfinals, with the duo having never clashed on the ATP Tour.