Photo:  Kyle Edmund with a replica of the Davis Cup Trophy on a return visit to Pocklington Prep School in 2015.

Old Pocklingtonian Kyle Edmund (02-06) has been declared British No 1 male tennis player after overtaking Andy Murray in the world ranking for the first time.

Kyle is now ranked at a career-high 24th in the world after reaching the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year – and though he said he was “humbled” to take the title, he generously cited Andy Murray’s injury as partly responsible.

Murray, who spent 12 years as Britain’s highest-ranking player, has slipped to No 29 after an enforced absence caused by a hip injury and surgery.

Kyle, 23, said: “It is humbling to become the British No.1 but, as proud as I am, I would have been much happier had Andy stayed healthy and occupied his place at the very top where he belongs.

"Wishing Andy a speedy recovery and I hope to battle it out with him in a more legitimate fashion in years to come.”

Kyle has himself been out of action with a hip injury followed by the flu, but is back in action this week at a tournament in Indian Wells, California, and then in Miami later this month.

He said: “I’ll continue to work hard and represent Great Britain as best as I can. I am now back on track and excited to get back to it. I’m all set and ready to play in Indian Wells and Miami.”