Federer will be playing his first match in nearly a month after recovering from back pain and skipping the French Open, as he ramps up his preparations for Wimbledon.
Number 65 Fritz has had time on court with the Swiss legend -- a Wimbledon training session a year ago -- but booked his place into the match of his life with a 3-6 7-6 (8/6) 6-1 win over Fabrice Martin on the grass at the Weissenhof Club.
"I have nothing to lose, there is no pressure on me, I don't think there will be any nerves."
The teenager said he had watched and admired Federer as a boy aged 11.
"I never thought then that I'd be playing Federer in singles and teaming with (Juan Martin) Del Potro in doubles (this week).
"I cannot remember the first time I heard the name of Federer or saw him on TV. But it's amazing to play him in the next round. I grew up in the generation when he was just dominating everyone. It's crazy to be stepping onto the court with him, I never thought that would happen."
Russian Mikhail Youzhny surprised grass-loving Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, the fifth seeded winner of the French Open doubles title, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. German Florian Mayer beat Serb sixth seed Viktor Troicki 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) and home seventh seed Philipp Kohlschreiber stopped Pierre-Hughes Herbert of France 6-4, 6-1.
Czech qualifier Radek Stepanek, still going strong at age 37, booked into the second round as he beat Denis Istomin 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. Marcos Baghdatis spent 15 minutes arguing after just two games that the court might have slippery spots, then lost 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 to German Jan-Lennard Struff.
"I'm surprised with my level," who is working his way back after a wrist injury and sealed the win with an ace.
"I didn't expect to play that well. Now I have another chance to get a few more matches - I'm just glad to be playing tennis again. I have the chance to make a start in the grass court season for the first time in a long time. My body responded well to this match."
