Felix Auger after beating Roger Federer: I didn’t expect this

Swiss great Roger Federer returns to Felix Auger Aliassime during the ATP grass court tournament in Halle yesterday. Pics/Getty Images

Roger Federer suffered a setback in his preparations for Wimbledon after crashing out of the second round of the ATP grass court tournament in Halle on Wednesday.

Federer, who will bid to win a ninth title at Wimbledon which starts June 28, suffered a shock 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 defeat to Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime, 20, who is almost half Federer's age.

‘Huge honour'

"It's amazing, for sure I didn't expect this," Auger Aliassime told Eurosport after beating one of his heroes at the first attempt on the ATP tour. "I wanted to win, but Roger Federer is my idol and it was a huge honour to play him."

Federer is exactly 19 years older than Auger Aliassime as the pair share the same birthday on August 8, while the Swiss ace turns 40 this year.

Felix Auger Aliassime

Felix was little nervous

"I always thought he would be gone by the time I joined the tour," admitted the Canadian, who turned professional in 2017. "I was a little nervous when I realised I could win, but I was playing really well, almost perfect tennis."

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