While a hip issue has kept Murray on the sidelines since Wimbledon last year, Edmund progressed to his first career Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open in January and has risen to a career-high 24th in the latest ATP rankings released on Monday.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray, who took over as the UK’s number one in 2006, has slipped to 29th in the world.

“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,” Edmund told British media.

“It is humbling to become the British number one and perhaps unwittingly, as Andy has dropped down in rankings due to his injury.”

“I’m wishing Andy a speedy recovery and I hope to battle it out with him in a more legitimate fashion in years to come.”

Edmund, who has not played since January after a hip injury in Melbourne, returns on tour to play the Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, which begins later on Monday.