Aljaz Bedene

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

RE: Aljaz Bedene

paulisi · Tennis legend

No issue from me. Lived here for a long time, trains at Gosling, played county cup, set up a business here. He's one of the more genuine cases.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

BeefyDeedz wrote:
Russell Fuller is reporting that Bedene's passport application has been successful. He will soon 'be free to compete under the British flag'.

Here's the actual story. I think it's a rather nice one, I'm pleased for him & he'll certainly have my full support. Interesting that

[t]he world number 83 is now planning to appeal against a new rule which prevents players from ever representing more than one country in Davis Cup.

BeefyDeedz · Pro player

Thanks SC, I was on my phone so it was a bit tough. Personally, if he's ticked the boxes and has laid roots then I'll support him, no question.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

As paulisi says, he seems to have 'genuinely' changed countries so I'm 100% behind him. And seems a really nice guy, as well as a good tennis player. All good luck and best wishes to him. (Dan Cox, according to the interview posted on the other thread, is a good mate of his and regular training partner).

And, yes Bob, me too - a slight vested interest in my support as well

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

On a more serious note than my previous post, I think that Bedene has shown enough commitment to the UK to be welcomed. Unlike Klein, who seemed to parachute in out of the blue, Bedene has been living, training and playing in the UK for 7 years now. I certainly hope he will be warmly received by everyone.

DC (if he wins his appeal) is an interesting one. It is understandable the other players may feel threatened but this is not necessarily a bad thing and may add motivation. The fear is that it damages the undoubted team spirit that has been built over the last 2/3 years. But on this matter, I trust Leon to weigh up all the factors and to make the right decision for the team.

LouieG · County player

Davis Cup for this year at least I think Ward's guaranteed the no.2 spot.

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

But. . . if James got injured, it would be nice to have a back-up. Kyle is not ready yet, nor Liam.

EddietheEagle · County player

Ranking-wise and regarding tennis development generally, clearly the strongest contender for the GB No 2 singles spot in my view. Politically speaking probably a non-starter unless Captain Murray extends the hand of friendship. And even then there's the eligibility issue with the ITF for which there would inevitably be the usual institutional foot-dragging.

indiana · Tennis legend

Aljaz will almost certainly drop back out of the top 100 after Miami since he was defending 61 points and added 0, well at least if he doesn't add anything next week.

So he's not very far at all ahead of James rankingwise 'in running'.

That said, there should anyway generally be more to selection than pure rankings, even without 'political' issues.

Spaced · Lower Club Player

IF he's eligible and allowed to play DC by the ITF, then I see no reason why the selection should be based on anything more than who gives us the best opportunity to win the tie. Leon should look at both players form coming in, respective strengths and weaknesses and make his decision from there. Obviously Wardy's history of big performances in DC will be a factor, but I hope 'political' issues play no part.

indiana · Tennis legend

Agreed, Spaced. I will rephrase.

That said, there should generally be more to selection than pure rankings, such as current form, big match form, previous Davis Cup form, form on the chosen surface - essentially whose selection is judged most likely to help GB win the overall tie. 'Politics' should not be a consideration. If it is considered that a certain selection could significantly effect morale to the extent of seriously endangering the winning of the tie, I would be very surprused and disappointed.

I didn't mean my new version to be so long, but I found myself dotting a few 'i's and crossing a few 't's.

jenks · Social player

steven wrote:
Do people think I should be adding him to the GB top 25 table immediately (in the right place but without a GB ranking for now, as I did with JoKo when she was waiting) or shall we wait for a more concrete announcement, which sounds like it may come around Wimbledon time?

Be lovely to finally see him on there. smile

philwrig · Hall of fame

If he does play DC I hope he doesn't get the same results as Greg did, as he had a shocker.

As for Bedene I will support him, but if he's playing another British player I have to be honest I will most likely be rooting against him. My loyalties will first and foremost lie with the British player I have supported through thick and thin for the last several years.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

philwrig wrote:
If he does play DC I hope he doesn't get the same results as Greg did, as he had a shocker.

As for Bedene I will support him, but if he's playing another British player I have to be honest I will most likely be rooting against him. My loyalties will first and foremost lie with the British player I have supported through thick and thin for the last several years.

I am pretty much the same. I tend to support most, those who I have met in person. Classic example today was Dan C v Josh M. I have nothing against Dan whatsoever and I would love to see him do well, but having spent time with Josh and supporting him in Marseille, I was supporting him over Dan today. Dan will have my total support though in his semi tomorrow.