Andy Murray said victory over Tennys Sandgren at the Zhuhai Championships in China was one of his best as he continued his return from hip surgery.
The Scot prevailed 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 for his first singles victory at Tour level since January.
Murray, who had lost to world number 69 Sandgren in North Carolina last month, will play Australian world number 31 Alex de Minaur in the second round.
“In some ways it’s one of the best wins that I’ve had,” said the 32-year-old.
“Not in terms of just getting through that today, but everything that’s gone into getting back to this point.”