Former British number one Laura Robson, now working for Sky Sports, mentioned to Salisbury, 33, and Skupski, 35, in a post-match interview that the pair were splitting.

It would mean ending an alliance that lasted for just one season, in which they were runners-up at the French Open and US Open.

Asked if that factor would provide fuel for the final, when they will face opponents they beat in the round-robin stage on Wednesday, Skupski said: “It’s just another match.

“It’s been a long season. It’s going to be a tough match against them boys.

“We’re really looking forward to it. We’re going to have to bring as much energy as possible, even though it’s the last tournament of the year.

“We’ll go out there, give it out best shot and see what happens.”

Cash and Glasspool, the world’s top-ranked doubles team, saved the only break point either team had in the opening set.

An early break in the second set allowed Salisbury and Skupski to haul themselves level and force a match tie-break, in which the crucial moment came when Glasspool netted an overhead to give up a mini-break.

Two match points were saved from 9-6 behind by the top seeds, but Skupski landed a strong first serve on the next opportunity and watched happily as the return landed wide.

Earlier, Patten and Heliovaara beat the all-Italian pair of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 6-4 6-3 in the first semi-final.

Victory continued a successful year for the former Wimbledon champions, who won the Australian Open in January for their second Grand Slam title together and have added titles in Beijing and Paris.

Patten has already made this a memorable trip to Turin, becoming engaged to girlfriend Ellie last Sunday.

Both teams of finalists have secured substantial winnings already this week, with unbeaten Skupski and Salisbury set to share a total pot of about £730,000 should they lift the trophy.

Patten and Heliovaara – having lost once in the round-robin stage – would collect about £660,000 if they take the title.