Blow for Aljaz Bedene as his quest to represent Britain in Davis Cup takes a knock

By Ros Satar

Blow for Aljaz Bedene as his quest to represent Britain in Davis Cup takes a knock

  • Lost in the first round of the singles and doubles in his first major as a Brit
  • Denied chance to represent his country but intends to appeal

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It was a tough start for Bedene, as he took to the courts of Roland Garros losing a tough first round tie, only to find that his request to be considered eligible for the British Davis Cup team was rejected, in an announcement made by the ITF on Saturday.

The 25-year-old, born in Slovenia was granted his UK citizenship in March after five years’ residency, and with a current ranking of 75, was in the main draw for Roland Garros as the British No. 2.

The issue at hand was that Bedene was picked to represent Slovenia in three Davis Cup ties between 2010 and 2012, although had never played in a live rubber.

Talking to BBC Sport, his manager confirmed that Bedene intends to lodge an appeal within the next 30 days, to the International Tennis Federation’s Board of Directors.

Bedene drew recently crowned Nice champion Dominic Thiem for the first round, and although he edged the third set tie-break, he bowed out in the first round in three hours and 22 minutes as the Austrian prevailed 6-3 6-4 6-7(6) 6-3. He went on to lose in the first round of the men’s doubles where he was partnering Albert Ramos-Vinolas. They lost to eighth seeds and reigning Australian Open men’s doubles champions Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini.

He is listed as an alternate for the field at ‘s-Hertogenbosch but is also entered into the Challenger at Caltanissetta, beginning 8 June.