Nicholas Mahut, playing his first event since his record-breaking 70-68 fifth set defeat to John Isner, rebounded with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 win against Alejandro Falla at Newport on Tuesday.
Mahut was given a wild card into the grass-court event after becoming instantly famous for his epic effort against Isner in the first round of Wimbledon.
Ironically, Falla was Wimbledon's second most famous first-round loser, having nearly taking out Roger Federer in his opening match at the All England Club. Falla served for the match against Federer before falling in five sets.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Mahut said he had recovered physically but not emotionally from the Wimbledon encounter, which lasted 11 hours, 5 minutes and stretched over three days.
"Even in my sleep I dream about this match," he was quoted saying by the New York Times website.
"This match is the best moment of my career, maybe my life. And also the worst."