Young Jan Choinski defeated Jordan Thompson at Eastbourne, in a gritty match on Wednesday.
That secured him his third ATP Tour win of 2026, strengthening his confidence.
It advanced him into the second round of the Rothesay International held in East Sussex, offering new opportunities.
Taylor Fritz had pulled out before the event because of a shoulder problem.
Choinski now takes on British player Felix Gill in his next match on Thursday.