Thanasi Kokkinakis wasn't shrinking at the prospect of facing Roger Federer.

The Australian qualifier was optimistic about his chances to upset the world No. 1 for two reasons:

Watch: Kokkinakis Stuns Federer

1. The pair had practice together in Dubai so Kokkinakis felt he knew a bit about the 20-time Grand Slam champion's strengths and tendencies.


2. Everyone's human.

After becoming the lowest-ranked player to defeat a reigning No.1 in 15 years by defeating Federer, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4), in Miami, Kokkinakis said he viewed Federer as another opponent rather than the Grand Slam king.

"I mean, everyone's a human. I played all the sort of big four now," Kokkinakis said. "Had a couple good wins. I know what my abilities are on the practice court. Maybe Dubai helped a little bit to know what he likes to do.

"I played a lot of good players in practice and in matches. In practice, I feel really good with a lot of the players. Again, there's obviously that difficulty trying to bring that to a match court. I know if I bring that level, I can beat a lot of good players. That's what I tried to do.

"Yeah, I mean, everyone is human. He just plays tennis a lot better than a lot of people."

Photo credit: Miami Open