Alexander Zverev edged Jenson Brooksby in a three hour, 19-minute epic that ended at 4:55 a.m. Acapulco time.
The American was down and seemingly out, but he found a way to a miraculous triumph.
The World No.1 holds out hope that things will change and restrictions will loosen.
The Spaniard cracks an eye-opening milestone as the youngest player to hit the Top-20 since 1993.
The former World No.1 says the sport is better off with Novak Djokovic on the court.
The 14-year-old Czech has reeled off back-to-back ITF titles, and is now qualified for her first WTA main draw.
"I am present, I'm here, really happy to be playing again," Novak Djokovic said ahead of his Dubai return.
