Lucky Lukas Lacko didn't even make it through the Auckland Classic tennis qualifiers, but what a difference a few days can make.
The Slovakian is into the second round of the main draw after beating Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-2.
Lacko was a lucky loser replacement for Russian eighth seed Andrey Rublev who withdrew with injury.
The world No.90 seized his chance from the opening set of Tuesday's clash, breaking Stefanos' serve twice before the Greek wildcard fought back to pinch the second in a tiebreaker.
Lacko then regained the advantage to comfortably take the third 6-2.
In a disappointing day for fans, a number of top players pulled out of the tournament without hitting a ball.
They included Rublev, British world No.49 Kyle Edmund and American Ryan Harrison, who contested Sunday's final of the Brisbane International.
It led to five of the eight men's centre court slots being filled by lucky losers or wildcards.
However, tournament organisers are pleased, as most of the tournament's more-fancied players have advanced to the next round.
These include Steve Johnson, despite a difficult time progressing past flashy Italian replacement Liam Caruana 7-5 7-6 (7-4).
The American world No.46 was surprised by the 19-year-old Caruana's power and accuracy but stayed composed to seal the match in the second set tiebreaker.
"He did great on his side of the net. I felt I just withstood his really good shots (and) his flashiness," Johnson said.
Johnson will meet fifth seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round.
Earlier, sixth seed Pablo Cuevas enjoyed an easier passage to the second round by outclassing Japanese lucky loser Taro Daniel 6-3 6-2.
He will face Russian rising star Karen Khachanov in the second round, while the tournament's second seed Juan Martin del Potro is set to take on Canada's 18-year-old sensation Denis Shapovalov.
On the outside courts, Jiri Vesely narrowly booked a second-round meeting with third seed Sam Querrey after surviving a three-setter against qualifier Radu Albot, winning 3-6 6-1 7-6 (9-7).
German world No.65 Peter Gojowczyk is also through, beating American qualifier Tim Smyczek 6-3 4-6 6-3.
He will play top seed and defending champion Jack Sock.
