Repeating his efforts from the same date last year, Aleksandar Vukic has progressed to the second round of the Shanghai Masters with a gritty victory.
After a successful qualifying campaign, Vukic took the court for a third consecutive day with the mission of eliminating world No.70 Corentin Moutet.
Finding himself down 4-0 in the opening set, Vukic fought back to steal the match 2-6 6-3 6-4.
"It was a rollercoaster. Started off pretty bad, couldn't make a ball in the first four games, and was down 4-0 in like 15 minutes," the world No.90 said.
"After that started I making a bit more balls, started getting a bit more rhythm and the match kind of turned around, and I started playing some really good tennis towards the end."
In all four of his tour-level wins since the grass court season, Vukic has taken them out in a deciding third set. The 28-year-old showcased that same determination to fight back into the contest against the Frenchman.
"I was trying to stay calm, but also get myself going, because I felt a little slow."
"He's such a tricky player, so unorthodox, tries to disrupt your rhythm in any way possible. So I'm very happy, to get through that because I experienced some emotions through that as well."
For the first time in his professional career, Vukic will prepare for a matchup against world No.9 Casper Ruud.
"He's a top, top player, so I have nothing to lose, but I'm also pretty hungry to see how I can compete in that one," he said about his second-round opponent.
"I'll be happy to take a day off and then really focus on that one on Friday."
Vukic joins fellow Australians Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson in the second round, who both received first-round byes.
Rinky Hijikata, Chris O'Connell, James Duckworth and Li Tu will all compete in their first round matches on Thursday.
Aussies in action - Shanghai
RESULTS
Men's singles, first round
[Q] Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) d Corentin Moutet (FRA)
COMING UP
Men's singles, first round
Rinky Hijikata (AUS) v Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB)
Chris O'Connell (AUS) v Matteo Berrettini (ITA)
James Duckworth (AUS) v David Goffin (BEL)
[Q] Li Tu (AUS) v Marcos Giron (USA)
Men's singles, second round
[20] Alexei Popyrin (AUS) v TBC
[26] Jordan Thompson (AUS) v TBC
> VIEW: Rolex Shanghai Masters 2024 singles draw
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