For so long, Andy Murray has been the epicentre of British tennis.
It goes without saying the sport will not be the same without a superstar who brought unparalleled success, shifted the dial of expectation and raised standards across the board.
Strong showings by Britain’s next generation at the recent US Open, though, provided optimism for anyone worrying how the void might be filled.
With New York semi-finalist Jack Draper receiving a hero’s welcome on his return home, the Davis Cup event in Manchester presented the opportunity to gauge the mood without the talismanic Murray.
Even though the men’s team were ultimately unable to progress to the quarter-finals stage in front of a record 15,700 crowd, the feelgood factor was not diminished.
“We’ve moved on from Andy Murray. We’re not looking back to the past. We’re looking to the future,” said Jan Harris, a long-time member of the British Association of Tennis Supporters (BATS).
Emma Raducanu, who is the only Briton other than Murray to win a Grand Slam singles title in the past 20 years, drew criticism for saying tennis “moves on quickly”, external in the wake of his retirement.
In truth, it was a pragmatic assessment which has been echoed by many at the Manchester Arena over the past week.
“Andy was a once-in-a-lifetime player and an incredible asset for our sport, in terms of raising visibility and bringing new fans into tennis,” said LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd.
“But the future is also looking bright.”
Who could be part of the future?
British number one Draper arrived in Manchester fresh from his exploits in New York, receiving an ebullient ovation from the proud home supporters who recognised the perfect timing of his success.
Long considered as the heir to Murray, Draper’s breakout Grand Slam performance came in the first major since the former world number one’s retirement.
Leading the hopes of the nation, in the Davis Cup at least, is a responsibility which has already been bestowed upon Draper.
“I think he will handle it well. We can’t shy away from it – he will be a focal point,” said Leon Smith, head of British men’s tennis and Davis Cup captain.
“But that is why it is important to have other players up to shoulder some of that.”
Draper is the only British player aged 22 or under currently in the men’s top 250, although 23-year-old Jacob Fearnley has entered the conversation after soaring to a career-high 129th by sweeping up his third ATP Challenger title of the year.
On the women’s side, 21-year-old Raducanu – back inside the top 75 after seeing her progress derailed by injuries – is the obvious choice when predicting who might challenge at the very top.
Sonay Kartal is the only other Briton aged 22 or under inside the women’s top 200. A childhood rival of 2021 US Open champion Raducanu, she crowned her recent acceleration with a maiden WTA title on Sunday.
And what about the even younger talent coming through? The eye-catching performances of the British juniors at the US Open bode well.
Mika Stojsavljevic, 15, provided the perfect pick-me-up from Draper’s exit by winning the girls’ singles a day later, while 16-year-old Mimi Xu and 17-year-old Charlie Robertson showed their huge potential by reaching the last four.
Henry Searle, 18, is continuing his development after becoming the first Briton to win the Wimbledon boys’ singles last year.
Then there is Hannah Klugman, a 15-year-old who won the prestigious Orange Bowl title last year.
“There is a feelgood factor at the moment, there is no doubt,” said veteran Dan Evans, who became Britain’s second most capped Davis Cup player last week.
“There are some good stories but there is a big difference between the stories and putting it out there on the court.”
What indicates success for Britain?
Murray has been the main protagonist in British tennis for the past two decades, but there has been support from others who have created storylines.
Only Raducanu has managed to win a Grand Slam singles title, however, following her fairytale of New York as a teenage qualifier.
Johanna Konta reached three major semi-finals between 2016 and 2019, with Kyle Edmund and Cameron Norrie matching that feat at the 2018 Australian Open and 2022 Wimbledon.
But Murray and Raducanu have ensured Britain is one of only five nations – along with Serbia, Spain, Russia and Italy – to claim Grand Slam success in both men’s and women’s singles in the past 20 years.
