Auger-Aliassime and Djere break through in Rio

Before last week, neither Felix Auger-Aliassime or Laslo Djere had ever gone beyond the third round of an ATP 500. But everything changed for them at the Rio Open.

The 18-year-old Canadian knocked out No. 2 seed Fabio Fognini and then sailed through the draw before defeating Pablo Cuevas in three sets to book his first ever chance at an ATP trophy. He's the youngest-ever ATP 500 finalist since the level was introduced in 2009.

With his breakout week also came a huge a ranking reward, as Auger-Aliassime becomes the youngest player inside of the Top 100. The honor was previously fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov's.

Djere ousted top seed Dominic Thiem in his opening round before winning the rest of his matches in straight sets (and one by walkover).

Djere would beat Auger-Aliassime in the final, 6-3, 7-5 for his first ATP crown.

The 23-year-old Serbian dedicated the win to his mother, who he lost seven years ago, and his father, who he lost just two months ago.

"They would be really happy," Djere told the ATP. "I learned at a young age that life isn’t fair, but it’s unfortunate that they can’t enjoy this success because they dedicated their lives to me and the sport. I hope they see this and that they’re really proud of me."

Auger-Aliassime has risen from No. 104 to No. 60 in the world while Djere made the leap from No. 90 to No. 37.