Young Jan Choinski overcame Jordan Thompson at Eastbourne, in a gritty match on Wednesday.
That gave him his third ATP Tour win of 2026, boosting his confidence.
It advanced him into the second round of the Rothesay International held in East Sussex, providing new opportunities.
Taylor Fritz had pulled out before the event due to a shoulder problem.
Choinski currently faces British player Felix Gill in his next match on Thursday.