Andy Murray may not be at the Australian Open this year but his influence is being keenly felt.

Kyle Edmund, who the Scot has mentored since his teenage years, is through to his first grand slam semi-final while Murray’s latest protege, Aidan McHugh, has reached the quarter-finals of the boys’ singles.

It is the furthest the 17-year-old has progressed at a slam, with his latest victory a 7-6 (7/1) 6-3 victory over Czech 14th seed Ondrej Styler.

McHugh was one of the first players signed by Murray’s 77 management agency after the former world number one got to know his countryman when he practised with him at Wimbledon last year.

The teenager said: “It’s definitely really good. The main thing being the connection I’ve got with Andy and how helpful he is. The whole point is that some of the mistakes he’s made when he was younger, he tries to help make sure I don’t make any of those mistakes.”

Murray has been sending fire emojis from his home back in Surrey to congratulate McHugh on his progress while Jamie Murray has been cheering on the youngster court-side along with Davis Cup captain Leon Smith – McHugh is coached by Smith’s brother Toby.

“It’s good that he’s right on it, he’s following my matches, which is really nice.,” said McHugh of Andy Murray. “Jamie as well coming out to watch. It’s nice having that support. It keeps you on your toes, that they’re watching.”

McHugh, who plays Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the last eight on Thursday, has also enjoyed following Edmund’s progress from up close and is backing the Yorkshireman to beat Marin Cilic.

He said: “Everyone’s been obviously really excited for Kyle. He’s a really hard worker and does all the right stuff so it’s good he’s starting to get right to the latter stages of the massive tournaments.

“He’s playing really well so hopefully he can keep going. He’s got a winnable one against Cilic. Kyle’s got a massive forehand so that can do damage against any of the guys.”