Andy Murray recomposed himself to ensure his Wimbledon singles return ended with a dramatic four-set victory over 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili.
In his first singles match in SW19 since 2017, the two-time champion led 6-4 6-3 5-0 against the Georgian.
The Briton could not convert two match points and wobbled as Basilashvili, 29, fought back to force a fourth set.
After a break to shut the Centre Court roof, Murray returned reinvigorated to win 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-3 under the lights.
There was still more tension at the end of the fourth set, though. Murray was unable to take a third match point when Basilashvili nailed a forehand winner down the line, but clinched victory with the fourth when his opponent hit into the net.
The majority of the home fans leapt to their feet in celebration, with a relieved Murray coolly raising his arms in the air before launching into a more manic leap moments later.
"I was really disappointed I had lost the third set and had to remember what I was doing to get into the winning position. I managed to turn it back around," said Murray, who is now ranked 118th in the world.
The Scot will have a day off playing before his second-round match on Wednesday, knowing he will play a qualifier as Germany's Oscar Otte or France's Arthur Rinderknech await him.
The pair saw their match suspended at 21:00 BST because of darkness - with the deciding set delicately poised at 9-9.
More to follow.
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