NEW YORK (AP) — So you’re ranked 1,370th – tied for 1,370th, actually – and you’re 18 years old, and you’re making your Grand Slam debut at the US Open against Roger Federer.

Yes, that Roger Federer, the guy ranked No. 1, owner of a record 15 major titles and considered by many the greatest player in tennis history.

You want to acquit yourself well, certainly, even if you recognize that Federer’s 35th consecutive victory at Flushing Meadows is going to come at your expense. And here are among the thoughts entering your mind: When are you going to get another chance like this? When are you next going to be sharing Arthur Ashe Stadium with Roger Federer?

If you’re Devin Britton of Jackson, Miss., the youngest NCAA singles champion ever, you treat the whole thing as if you’re stepping into a real-life version of a video game and decide to check out what this Federer guy can do.

“His forehand is just crazy. I tried to keep (the ball) away,” the American said with a mischievous smile, “but sometimes I just hit it there just to see it.”

Britton enjoyed the view, if not the final result. The kid even got to relish a few fleeting moments when he was up a service break in each of the last two sets.

Predictably, Federer gathered himself to win, 6-1, 6-3, 7-5, Monday, beginning his bid to become the first man since the 1920s to win the American Grand Slam tournament six years in a row.

“I mean, he obviously looks unbelievable on TV, but playing against it was even more tough,” Britton said. “It was so scary. I was pretty scared.”

A year ago, he was playing in the boys’ event at the US Open as a junior, reaching the final. A little more than a month ago, he was playing in the boys' event at Wimbledon, reaching the semifinals and deciding to leave school at Ole Miss and turn pro.

The US Tennis Association gave Britton a wild-card invitation for the Open, and last week, his agent called with the news that his first round foe would be Federer.

“I didn’t really believe it at first. Thought it was just a bad joke. Then I started getting texts on my phone, and I realized it’s true,” Britton said. “I was excited. I mean, I was excited at first, and then a little bit - just a little bummed. It’s a tough opponent.”

There’s an understatement. Federer won the French Open in June to complete a career Grand Slam and tie Pete Sampras’ career record for major singles titles, then won Wimbledon in July to break that mark.

Federer is well aware of the intimidation factor he carries on court.

“Young players right now, they’ll always be in sort of awe, maybe, of great players,” said the 28-year-old Federer, whose victory Monday means he will be the first tennis player to surpass $50 million in career prize money.