KYLE FIGHT YOU TO THE END, MUZZA

KYLE EDMUND is looking forward to a long fight with Andy Murray for the British No.1 spot after overtaking the Scot in the rankings for the first time today.

Double Olympic champion Murray has been the top-rated British star since replacing Greg Rusedski in July 2006. But the former world No.1, who underwent hip surgery in January, has not played since Wimbledon and today slips down to No.29 after failing to defend the points from his title victory in Dubai last year.

And 23-year-old Edmund (above) is now up to a career-high 24 in the world following his stunning run to the Australian Open semi-finals.

He celebrated the news by announcing a high-profile new sponsorship deal with British Airways. The Yorkshireman, who has been out since Melbourne with a hip injury and then flu, 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. I wish Andy a speedy recovery and I hope to battle it out with him in a more legitimate fashion in years to come.

“I’ll continue to work hard and represent Great Britain as best as I can. I’ve unfortunately been away from the courts for the last couple of weeks due to a bad dose of the flu virus, but 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.” The Indian Wells tournament begins on Thursday.

Murray (above) is aiming to be back on the practice court later this month and has held talks with the LTA about returning to competitive action at a Challenger event in the UK before the grass-court season.

Jamie Murray and his playing partner Bruno Soares captured their first tour-level title of the season by beating the Bryan brothers 7-6 7-5 in the final of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco.

It is the Scot’s 20th doubles title – and his seventh with his Brazilian partner.

“I’m just really happy to be successful again,” said Murray.