Aljaz Bedene

Aljaz Bedene is a professional player who was known for winning 5 Futures and 14 Challengers titles. In 2015, he ventured successfully on getting UK citizenship, however, failed to represent Great Britain for the Davis Cup as he had previously played for his former country three times.

Personal Life

Bedene was born in Slovenia with his parents and younger twin brother. In his country, Bedene belonged to one of the top tennis players at a young age. It was in his teenage year that he decided to pursue his tennis career internationally as it might limit his abilities as a player. After his application to become a British Citizen, he also became British Number 2.

Professional Career

Even though Bedene didn't successfully compete in the Davis Cup as a British citizen, he joined a handful of tournaments. The first time he joined ATP was in 2011 at Erste Bank Open, where he lost during the second round against Tommy Haas. He also advanced to the quarterfinals in the same event by the following year.

In 2013, he joined the Aircel Chennai Open, where he notably defeated Robin Haase and Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarterfinals. He also lost in the semi-finals to Janko Tipsarevic who was the 2nd Top-seeded. He also debuted in Grand Slam and lost in the first round.

Application for British Citizenship
In 2014, he applied for a British Passport with the Lawn Tennis Association's legal support and was granted UK citizenship by 2015. Bedene also wanted to appeal the existing rule that no tennis player could represent more than 1 country during the Davis Cup, however, his appeal turned out to be unsuccessful. It was most noted that he played for Slovenia in Davis Cup for 3 years, that's why he couldn't make it to play for the UK anymore.

On May 30, 2015, ITF officially announced that Bedene is not allowed for the Davis Cup due to the date of his passport application. Although LTA and Bedene appealed that he should play for the Olympics or the Davis Cup, still he wasn't able to make it successfully.

Grand Slam Results:

• 2R at the 2020 Australian Open
• 3R at the 2016, 2020, and 2022

French Open

• 3R at the 2017, and 2021 Wimbledon

Open

• 3R at the 2019 US Open