Aljaz Bedene’s victory at Roland Garros on Monday has brought both joy and dismay to the British tennis contingent. The mixed reaction wasn’t due to his performance, but what he said after the match.
Facing Ryan Harrison in the first round at Roland Garros, the British No.3 prevailed 6-4, 6-0, 3-6, 6-1, to become the first Brit to win a match in this year’s tournament. The triumph comes during what has been a impressive clay season for the 27-year-old. After winning an Italian Challenger title, Bedene reached the final of the Bucharest Open followed by pushing Milos Raonic to three sets in Istanbul.
“I worked really hard in the preseason, and the way I’m playing now, it suits clay court. I’m using the body more. I’m more physical.” Bedene said about his current form.
Whilst Bedene enjoys a surge on the men’s tour, he faces an uncertain future. Talking to the British media in Paris on Monday, he hinted at the prospect of returning back to his Slovenian nationality. He has lived in the UK since 2008 with his wife and was formally allowed to represent Great Britain in 2015.
“At the moment I’m representing Great Britain, but I do want to play Olympic Games. That’s I think a dream for every athlete. I’ll have to see on that what can be done.” He admitted.
Bedene’s response comes after what has been a lengthy argument with the International Tennis Federation. According to the rules, players are ineligible to play in the Davis Cup if they have already played for another country. The rule change prompted a legal challenge from Bedene (backed by British tennis), who argued that he applied to play in the competition prior to the rule change. This case has been dismissed on numerous occasions.
Due to his exemption from the Davis Cup, the player from Ljubljana is not eligible for the Olympic Games. Under current rules, players must participate is a set amount of team ties for their country in order to qualify.
The Dan Evans criticism
In recent week’s Bedene has had his British Nationality questioned by Dan Evans, who believe he shouldn’t be counted in his country’s ranking system. With Bedene’s removal, Evans would become the British No.3.
“I don’t think he really believes he’s British either,” Evans said during this year’s Madrid Open.
“It’s nothing against Aljaz. I like him, he’s not confrontational in any way – but to me it doesn’t sit well if you play for another country.
“I don’t feel bad about him, but for me it’s a bit baffling as to why.”
Despite the words, the 27-year-old hasn’t aggressively hit back. This week in Paris, he described himself as ‘both Slovenian and British.’
A switch already in progress?
Signs of Bedene’s slow return to Slovenian tennis have begun to emerge. Amid rumours of a move back of his homeland, the world No.52 confirmed that his wife hopes to return back to Slovenia.
“I’ve still have a house in England, in Welling. At the moment for the clay season, I spent quite a lot of time in Slovenia. My fiancee said she wants to move back. She wants to have her career there.” He explained.
“I’m travelling a lot, so it’s not easy. But, you know, I do want to spend as much time as I can with her.”
It is not the first time that Bedene has hinted about the switch. On May 24th he conducted an interview with Radiotelevizija Slovenija, the national broadcaster of Slovenia. During the interview, he also talked about his desire to play in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Amidst the storm brewing, Bedene will continue his French Open campaign against Jiri Vesely in the second round on Wednesday.
