Jannik Sinner came from a set down to ensure his debut as world number one did not end in an upset against Tallon Griekspoor at the Halle Open.
The Italian had to rally after a tough start in his first grass-court match of the season but prevailed 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-2.
Despite forcing a tie-break in the first set, Sinner threw away a 4-0 lead during it, unable to hold off Griekspoor's late charge.
Sinner soon found his footing in the second and got a vital break to swing momentum in his favour, holding onto it into the third to take the win in two hours, 22 minutes.
He will face Fabian Marozsan in the next round.
Data Debrief: Sinner comes good on debut
The ATP World No. 1 has won 93.1% of the grass court matches played in the last six years: Novak Djokovic 14-0, Carlos Alcaraz 7-0, Daniil Medvedev 5-2 and Sinner 1-0.
Before getting the vital break, Sinner went on a run of five consecutive points to dig himself out of a whole at 0-40 down on his own serve during the fifth game of the second set, sending him on his way to the win.
Lajovic lauds 'fighter' Djokovic as Wimbledon preparations continue
Dusan Lajovic has praised Novak Djokovic's resilience as he continues his preparations for Wimbledon next week.
Djokovic, who has won the tournament seven times, underwent knee surgery earlier this month having withdrawn from the French Open.
As a result, the Serbian was forced to relinquish his number one spot in the world rankings to Jannik Sinner.
However, the Serbian was pictured training at Wimbledon 18 days after his successful operation, but remains unsure over his participation in the competition.
Lajovic, who beat Djokovic in the quarter-finals of the Srpska Open last year, says his compatriot will make the right decision on his fitness.
"It just shows his grit," Lajovic said. "He's always been such a fighter, even if he gives himself a one per cent chance to compete, he's going to do everything to maximise that,"
"He's going to wait until probably the last minute to see if he's ready and if his body can support the stress of playing in a grand slam.
"So, in the end, he normally makes good decisions about his body, and about his tennis as well. If he thinks he can make it, then he probably can make it."
Radacanu edges Pegula thriller to reach Eastbourne quarter-finals
Emma Raducanu secured her first win over a top 10 opponent as she defeated Jessica Pegula to reach the quarter-finals at Eastbourne.
The former US Open champion came from a set down to win 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-5, emerging victorious after two hours and 42 minutes.
Pegula stamped her authority on the game from the start, winning break point in the opening game and remaining in control despite a spirited comeback from Raducanu.
However, the Brit built on her improved display in the second set, trading blows with the world number five and coming out on top to take the game to a decider.
Raducanu looked set to close out the contest as she claimed consecutive break points, but the American showed her class to drag herself back level.
But it would be Raducanu who would emerge victorious, meaning there will be three British women in the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 1978.
Data Debrief: Raducanu roars to victory
Raducanu's victory saw her reach her first ever quarter-final at Eastbourne.
The Brit's success was also the first time she has won a match on tour after being a match point down.
Radacanu edges Pegula thriller to reach Eastbourne Open quarter-finals
Emma Raducanu secured her first win over a top 10 opponent as she defeated Jessica Pegula to reach the quarter-finals of the Eastbourne Open.
The former US Open champion came from a set down to win 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-5, emerging victorious after two hours and 42 minutes.
Pegula stamped her authority on the game from the start, winning break point in the opening game and remaining in control despite a spirited comeback from Raducanu.
However, the Brit built on her improved display in the second set, trading blows with the world number five and coming out on top to take the game to a decider.
Raducanu looked set to close out the contest as she claimed consecutive break points, but the American showed her class to drag herself back level.
But it would be Raducanu who would emerge victorious, meaning there will be three British women in the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 1978.
Data Debrief: Raducanu roars to victory
Raducanu's victory saw her reach her first ever quarter-final at the Eastbourne Open.
The Brit's success was also the first time she has won a match on tour after being a match point down.
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