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.