Simon Ede and Brydan Klein - either or both AUS to GB?

Tennis36 · Masters Series Champion

RE: Simon Ede and Brydan Klein - either or both AUS to GB?

philwrig · Hall of fame

You'd have to think there must be some finance involved otherwise whats the point.
I actually remember him as a very good prospect before things turned sour, I see that one of his hobbies is girls so clearly sees himself as a bit of a ladiesman ;)

indiana · Tennis legend

I would assume he would not get a Wimbledon MD WC, top 250 ( in theory ) just meaning folk are considered for a MD WC recommendation.

He seems a quite different case to Jo Konta last year, who was known to be seeking British citizenship for a few years and to some extent already in the system.

Personally, I'd say, not this year, matee.

steven · Tennis legend

Tennis36 wrote:
yeh i was gona say, does this mean he's almost certianly gona get a wimby WC seeing as he's in the top 250?

I doubt there's anything certain about it even if he is in the top 250, but I imagine that's his short-term aim. In fact, he'll be around 250 on Monday and outside the top 250 the following Monday unless he gets a win or two in Busan.

If he's going to be at the NTC a lot, let's hope he really has grown up and won't be the 'cool' Aussie leading the more impressionable of the young Brits astray.

RJA · Hall of fame

indiana wrote:
Personally, I'd say, not this year, matee.

Damn right.

I have serious reservations about someone changing their nationality for sports purposes, especially when they have reached adulthood and in a case like this seemingly has no affinity to Britain. I would be appalled if he was given a Wimbledon wild card.

korriban · Challenger level

As Princess Leia would say "I've got a bad feeling about this". When individuals have been deeply involved with their national sporting associations, then swap nationalities to circumvent a dispute or impasse, feelings are likely to be very raw. With a super talent, perhaps the awkwardness is worth it, with a good but not great player.....err, not sure. With a British mother he is free to choose his nationality, but the LTA would be within their rights to defer any specific support until he proves his character and trustworthiness. WCs? No way. I just hope he hasnt swapped nationalities on the back of some promises given by the LTA for financial and technical support.....

Maza1987 · Challenger level

I will be actively supporting every opponent Klein plays against.
Aussies will be saying good riddance.

steven · Tennis legend

They probably will be saying good riddance but I don't know whether he's still like he was (or allegedly was) before or if he has grown up a bit. If the former, then I'd find him virtually impossible to support too and I agree that if his relationship with TA has broken down and that's the only reason for switching, it isn't very encouraging to say the least.

I am inclined to wait until we find out a bit more first though.

On reflection, another reason for finding it so easy to support Cameron as a Brit so soon after he has switched is that he seems to be really enjoying being part of the GB 'team' and getting on very well with players like Luke and Jonny. Their obvious enthusiasm for having him join them is probably rubbing off on me!

jake270392 · Intermediate Club Player

scottie1 wrote:
if he has matured in the intervening years then he is better than most of the guys we have around. Too early for Wimbledon WC for me though

No Apparently his on court behavior is still extremely bad!! Someone described him as nut job at last years US Open qualies as he was throwing his racket, yelling at fans, questioning every line call......

I am pretty much with everyone on here in that I do not like how he has decided to switch on the basis that his had a falling out with Australian Tennis ( I cant see why on any other basis of switching) and therefore possibly hoping he can wriggle his way into funding and wildcards and so on....

-- Edited by jake270392 on Sunday 12th of May 2013 01:30:57 PM

philwrig · Hall of fame

Neil H has finally twigged on twitter.

steven · Tennis legend

... and has written it in a way that suggests that Klein asked to switch and the LTA weren't involved. (though it may not be meant that way)

steven · Tennis legend

... though Mike Dickson says "LTA were informed several weeks ago of his intentions," which again suggests no deal, he just wanted to get away from AUS.

jmjhb · Lower Club Player

Anne K isn't pleased with the switch

scottie1 · Futures level

if he has matured in the intervening years then he is better than most of the guys we have around. Too early for Wimbledon WC for me though

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Do you think he'd even bothered to look at your stats first?

My opinion, for what it's worth, is that if Brydan has decided, off his own bat, to try and re-launch his tennis in the UK because he genuinely feels that he stands a better chance over here, then I wish him luck and, assuming he behaves himself, I will support him, in my own little way.

Lots of youngsters do and say daft things, it's a growing-up process. As I think you said higher up, people deserve a second chance. He should realise, however, that he's not a kid any more.

However, I'm assuming that the Daily Mail article is correct in implying that he will not be entitled to instant special treatment; the LTA is, I hope, an ethical body with integrity - there will be plenty of time for him to get Wimbledon WCs next year when he's 'proved' himself.

And maybe he could use this opportunity even better, make great strides this year, knuckle down, show the good in himself, and not even need a WC next year but get in as of right.

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Sunday 12th of May 2013 09:21:05 PM