Australia's Sam Groth has recorded his first ATP Tour level win since the first round of the Brisbane International back in January.
The 29-year-old, who has seen his ranking plummet to 201 in the world roared back from a set down on the Rhode Island grass to defeat American qualifier Austin Krajicek 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-1) 6-3.
Groth banged down 23 aces during the three sets but mixed them with 13 double faults as he battled past the American to book a second round battle of the big servers with top seed John Isner.
Groth wasn't the only Australian to advance to the second round of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships with 20-year-old rising star Akira Santillan and journeyman Matthew Ebden also moving on.
Santillan, the world No.171 and a two-time junior grand slam finalist, was impressive in brushing past American wildcard Michael Mmoh 6-1 6-2.
The Tokyo-born Australian throwing himself about the court as he produced some classic grasscourt tennis.
Ebden, who like Groth, had to qualify for the event brushed past another American, two-time tournament winner Rajeev Ram, 6-1 6-4.
In doing so Ebden has booked a clash with fellow long-time tour player, Slovakian fifth seed Lukas Lacko, who got past America's Reilly Opelka 7-6 (9-7) 6-4.
