Rising Jan Choinski overcame Jordan Thompson at Eastbourne, in a thrilling encounter on Wednesday.
That earned him his third ATP Tour win of 2026, bolstering his confidence.
It moved him into the second round of the Rothesay International held in East Sussex, opening new opportunities.
Taylor Fritz had withdrawn before the event because of a shoulder problem.
Choinski now takes on British player Felix Gill in his next match on Thursday.