Aljaz Bedene

Ben W · Social player

Aljaz Bedene

Jeff Stelling · Club Coach

I saw that and was surprised it wasn't on here already. Wasn't even aware of his Britishness.

A1 tennis academy · Satellite level

It's a true reflection of the EU migration to the uk why should we not benefit from it !

Its intersting that the article resurfaces the rumour that Andy Murray picks the Davis cup team -

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

That's good news. The guy has been based here for quite a long time and obviously enjoys living in the Uk and has his life here, with his girlfriend, training base etc. If he would like to be officially British, and qualifies, then great, welcome, the more the merrier.

TMH · Futures qualifying

Interesting. Have always wondered about the possibility of this given how he lives and trains over here. A talented player who's fallen back a bit in the last year or so, but is definitely capable of breaking the top 50. Would it feel a bit 'false' though?

It will no doubt split opinion on here.

I wonder when Coric becomes eligible...

PaulM · Tennis legend

Completely agree CD

Miriambee · Futures level

my thoughts exactly CD, and if this makes James and Dan work harder for the 2nd singles place in Davis cup, then even better still.

Jaffa · Challenger level

Evo has tweeted saying that it isn't quite right. Doesn't surprise me in the slightest...

I personally think we should welcome the lad with open arms. The lad clearly loves it here and is a good player... why shouldn't we get behind him?

scottie1 · Futures level

If he gets a British passport I don't see the problem. Greg was more patriotic than British born players. Personally I don't think Andy should have any say he's another player although an exceptional one

TMH · Futures qualifying

scottie1 wrote:
If he gets a British passport I don't see the problem. Greg was more patriotic than British born players. Personally I don't think Andy should have any say he's another player although an exceptional one

The 'Andy having a say' bit only refers to the Davis Cup. I have no idea where they've plucked that from though. It's always been suggested he 'has a say' in the Davis Cup selection but never once been proven. I expect the only say he's had is whether he wants to play doubles and it's been exaggerated from there.

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

Welcome him I say Australia and the US do it without any problems so if they can then so can we.

A1 tennis academy · Satellite level

All agreed its good for GB tennis and also now helps explain rise in performance of other players in gosling stable of got their quality coaching and players of this calibre to train with !

But it might push a few players noses out of joint maybe not a bad thing - healthy competition

Jan · Hall of fame

2 quotes from the Beeb (almost next to each other!):
"Bedene's best surface is clay - the de facto surface for any team awarded a home tie against Britain" AND "Aljaz's favourite shot is the forehand and his best playing surface is hard."

LordBrownof · Futures level

Agreed CD. Welcome to him. He's had lots of wrist problems last few years. In fact, when you read his story it's incredible that he's made top 100 with all the injury breaks. Certainly having a clay court specialist is no bad thing either!

indiana · Tennis legend

I do wonder on what basis the BBC chooses to report that it is believed that Andy will have the "ultimate say" re Aljaz's Davis Cup participation.

In the past I have been pretty sceptical about the ongoing rumours ( without seemingly any facts or direct quotes ) about Andy "picking" the team, while pretty sure that he ( quite rightly ) had input. Possibly though that weak Davis Cup captain, John Lloyd, bowed at times to his wishes.

I do remember much scepticism, indeed opposition, when the Union Jack bandanaed Greg Rusedski declared for GB, and now all these years later hardly anyone can really doubt the commitment he gave in the past and continues to give GB.