Edmund backed to take Murray’s crown

Greg Rusedski has tipped Kyle Edmund to finish 2018 as British No 1.

The 23-year-old has turned in two very impressive performances at the Australian Open to set up a third-round match against Nikoloz Basilashvili today.

First Edmund battled for a five-set win over US Open finalist Kevin Anderson before sweeping Denis Istomin aside in straight sets.

This is the first slam where Edmund has flown the British flag alone in the men’s draw in the absence of Andy Murray, who has returned home after undergoing hip surgery in Melbourne.

The Scot is hoping to return for the grass-court season but former British No 1 Rusedski believes he may find himself playing catch-up to Edmund.

Rusedski, who spent a short spell coaching Edmund, has been particularly impressed by the progress the Yorkshireman has made since linking up with veteran Swedish coach Fredrik Rosengren late last year.

“He said he was looking for a coach who’d done it with the very top players and that’s what Freddie brings – belief and confidence,” said Eurosport analyst Rusedski.

“Last year he lost so many tight matches, matches he should have won in three sets, but this year he looks like he’s got over that hurdle.

“I think Freddie’s on him every day about attitude.

“He’ll be saying I want positive body language, I want you to go after your backhand a little bit more.

“He’s always had those weapons but now with that new mindset the sky is the limit and I wouldn’t be surprised if at the end of 2018 he’ll be the new British No 1, because Andy Murray is going to be out for such a long time.”