The two now look to join Wu Yibing in the history books, at Chengdu and Hangzhou.

The 7-6(3), 6-7(2), 6-4 match lasted 3 hours, 16 minutes, the longest first round in tournament history.

The 2014 US Open finalist has won all three of their prior clashes in straight sets.

“Three days ago I’m a normal guy and now it turns out I’m the new Kyrgios,” declared the 23-year-old.

The No. 10 seed took the long road through to the second round in what was, ultimately, a straight-sets victory over Wu Yibing.

Plus: Rybakina begins her title defense against Rogers, while Tiafoe awaits the tricky Wu Yibing.

"I know it’s hard for you to see me perform like today, but I need more time ..." wrote the Aussie, who took to social media after losing 7-5, 6-3 to Wu Yibing.

The 28-year-old Australian had a knee operation in January.

All three members of the groundbreaking group—Shang Juncheng, Wu Yibing and Zhang Zhizhen—played their opening matches on Monday, with Zhang advancing to the second round.

In a competition where players are known by nicknames, Monfils will, of course, be called "La Monf", the classy French nickname given to him by pals since his youth.