Stefanos Tsitsipas passed a major test in the form of Dominic Thiem to wrestle away a second round ticket.
It was a clash that leapt off the draw sheet last week, a contest that wouldn't look out of place as a Grand Slam final. It delivered and more on a sun-kissed No.2 Court.
Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, led 6-3, 3-4 on Tuesday prior to rain delays. Back in action on Wednesday, world No.5 Tsitsipas prevailed in the high-pressure moments to go through 3-6, 7-6(1), 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-6(10-8) as both players received a fully deserved standing ovation.
"It was pretty stressful, I won't lie. For a second I thought we were doing the repeat of Isner-Mahut. It felt forever," joked Tsitsipas, referring to the record 2010 marathon match on Court 18.
"Obviously (I'm) very happy it went my way. Dominic is someone who has brought the best out of me every time we've had the opportunity to play each other. It was quite frustrating at the same time.
"But this is tennis. We fought hard today, we put on a show. Dominic is a tough competitor. I wish him all the best in the future."
Another test awaits the Greek 24-year-old: Tsitsipas advances for a tussle with two-time champion Andy Murray.
"I'm not expecting anyone to support me," he quipped.
"Andy, I remember as a kid watching him win his first Wimbledon title (2013). Thinking about it just gives me goosebumps, I kind of felt what he went through in that final. It was so difficult for him to close that last game. Every time I watch that moment I feel shivers all over my body.
"He's someone who has done so much for the sport. I'll go in with lots of respect. Hopefully I can bring my best game, he won't give up.
"That court over there (Centre) is like his living room. I hope we can play there. I've never played on Centre. Let's just pray for that."
Tsitsipas returned to action against Thiem on Wednesday with a real swagger, racing through the second set tie-break to level.
In an enthralling third game of the third set, world No.91 Thiem withstood five break points as the variety, power and finesse from both athletes combined into an absorbing battle.
That served as a warning for Thiem. The No.5 seed was in his rhythm and claiming the majority of prolonged rallies to rattle through the third set.
The Austrian world No.91, making his first Wimbledon appearance since 2019 due to a wrist injury and turbulent comeback trail, was wielding his racket more like his peak of world No.3. The four-time Grand Slam finalist defied Tsitsipas' clutch of exquisite points to earn a tie-break.
The 29-year-old clattered a forehand and snuck into the net to put away a canny winner. The crowd were fully engaged, Thiem raising his fist in defiance as this No.2 Court ride was going the distance.
Tsitsipas' reactions at the net were a sight to behold; Thiem was unleashing his full firepower. Something had to give.
At 5-6 an untimely double fault gifted Tsitsipas match point. Not quite. Thiem bludgeoned a forehand to keep his hopes alive.
A deciding match tie-break was a fitting consequence.
Tsitsipas connected with a remarkable backhand stop volley, which dipped inches over the net. Thiem kept biting back and after three hours, 52 minutes they were still locked level at 6-6.
There was one last Tsitsipas hot shot to come, the world No.5 flashed a forehand pass before a long embrace between the two at the net.
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