MX23RW : Tuesday, March 19 11:48:27| >> :600:197344769:197344769:

Aljaz Bedene switches allegiances back to Slovenia

British number two Aljaz Bedene reveals that he is changing his allegiances back to Slovenia, the country of his birth, just two years after becoming a British citizen.

Aljaz Bedene has announced that he is changing his allegiances back to Slovenia, just two years after becoming a British citizen.

Bedene ended the most recent campaign as the British number two behind Andy Murray, but failure to become eligible to represent Great Britain in the Davis Cup had frustrated the world number 49.

That has led to another decision being made regarding his future, and Bedene has acknowledged that it centres around being able to play in that competition and the Olympic Games.

In a statement, the 28-year-old said: "I want to share with you that I have informed the ITF of my intention to represent Slovenia, my country of birth, from the 1st January 2018.

"One of my main goals for my career going forward will be to play for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. I have proudly called Britain my home for the last nine years and so many people there have made me feel welcome both in the UK and abroad. I am also particularly grateful for the support the LTA have shown me in that time and in fighting my case for the GB Davis Cup eligibility.

"It was a dream of mine to be able to compete for a country that has given me so much in the Davis Cup. At this stage in my career, I do not want to miss the opportunity to compete in the Davis Cup and the Olympics, two events that mean so much to me and that is what has informed my decision."

Last season, Bedene reached just his second ATP Tour final in Hungary, while he also progressed through to the third round at Wimbledon.

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