Back on home turf following his exploits in New York, Draper has been the centre of attention in Manchester – even without playing.

Now, after being the talk of the town and receiving ovations when he has been introduced to the crowd before the ties, the 22-year-old British number one has the chance to make an important impact on the court.

Draper must beat Cerundolo, a clay-court specialist who is ranked 31st in the world, to ensure Britain’s hopes of clinching their quarter-final spot on Friday stay alive.

Evans, 34, is the most experienced player in a British squad which has a fresh look following the retirement of Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie’s absence with an arm injury.

On the day where he surpassed Mike Sangster to go second in the British all-time list of Davis Cup ties played, Evans was left to rue not being able to convert his early chances against Etcheverry.

A gruelling fourth game, where Evans continued to patiently probe with the backhand slice, saw 34th-ranked Etcheverry desperately hanging on as Evans created four break points.

Surviving all of them proved pivotal in the match.