The sight of the world seven being forced to retire in front of his home crowd in Turin was heartbreaking.

Furthermore, the familiar sight of an abdominal injury brings up fear of a repeated absence for Berrettini.

The Italian did not play for two months after pulling out of the first Slam of the season.

However, there is reason to be optimistic about the medium term at least, according to Berrettini’s Davis Cup captain Filippo Volandri.

“Berrettini woke up better than when he had the same injury at the Australian Open,” Volandri told Supertennis. “Yesterday he stopped immediately.”

Berrettini is undergoing MRI scans and ultrasounds to determine the extent of injury and whether he will continue in Turin.

But the words of Volandri suggest that at least Berrettini may not be out of the game for too long even if he must end his time in Turin.

For the home fans at least, the disappointment of a Berrettini exit would be tempered by who would replace him.

It would be trading one Italian for another, as world number 11 Jannik Sinner would come in as an alternate to make his ATP Finals debut.

Berrettini or Sinner will face Daniil Medvedev or Hubert Hurkacz next in the Red Group.

Medvedev rallied from a set down against the Polish debutant 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4 to get his ATP Finals title defence up and running with an opening victory.