The Roland Garros and US Open runner-up opened play with a win for Team Europe, defeating Jack Sock with a little mentoring from Rafael Nadal.

Nothing beats good company, as evidenced by the scene Wednesday night for the event's "iconic" photo op.

“We knew it (a transition) would eventually come sooner or later, and it looks like it was later,” said John McEnroe.

"He's one of these few rare talents that comes up every now and then in sports," said the US Open runner-up.

Also, Jessica Pegula breaks into the Top 5 and Frances Tiafoe cracks the Top 20 after deep runs in New York.

“I would say I overcame myself a little bit,” said the 19-year-old, who rediscovered the joy in tennis in New York.

For all that world-class technique and composure, the world’s very best players are humans like the rest of us.

The 19-year-old Spaniard becomes the youngest champion in Flushing Meadows since Pete Sampras in 1990, and is set to ascend to the top of the ATP rankings on Monday.

With plenty on the line in this changing-of-the-guard clash, can Alcaraz cap his meteoric rise with a first major or will Ruud get his redemption after his runner-up finish at Roland Garros?

The 19-year-old Spaniard has won all four sets the pair have played, including both in April's Miami championship match.