Stefanos Tsitsipas, a Greek tennis god in the making

Conqueror of his idol Roger Federer in the last 16 of the Australian Open, the rise of Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas is one that appears destined to carry him to the top of the tennis world.

He made no secret of his immense respect for the Swiss star, whose posters coated the walls of Tsitsipas' bedroom as a child, but the 20-year-old Athenian didn't allow sentiment to stand in his way.

"He's a legend of our sport," Tsitsipas said ahead of his clash with the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

"If I thought about it now it's insane I'm in this position where I can actually play him. It's really emotional."

But Tsitsipas showed scant regard for the world number three -- the double reigning champion in Melbourne -- on Sunday, playing the brand of tennis that has propelled him to 15th in the rankings after barely two seasons on tour.

He will climb yet further following his best performance to date at a Grand Slam, and the Greek intends to continue building on a breakthrough year in ...