Talented Jan Choinski defeated Jordan Thompson at Eastbourne, in a gritty match on Wednesday.
That gave him his third ATP Tour win of 2026, boosting his confidence.
It propelled him into the second round of the Rothesay International held in East Sussex, opening new opportunities.
Taylor Fritz had withdrawn before the event following a shoulder problem.
Choinski now takes on British player Felix Gill in his next match on Thursday.