Winless in two previous meetings with his friend, McDonald looks for a positive start to the North American hard court swing.

Brandon Holt, who resides in the same neighborhood where the competition is taking place, was eliminated. "At least I don't have to book a flight home," he said.

“The timing is right," says Scott Douglas, who is opening his home court to six Southern California pros including Sam Querrey. "It’s time we do a little something for the players.”

The 23-year-old returns to Flushing Meadows with renewed optimism after a stretch of struggle and self-doubt.