Dan Evans has launched a stinging attack on Aljaz Bedene’s British eligibility while questioning the Lawn Tennis Association’s “desperate” promotion of the Slovenia-born player.
Bedene moved to the UK in 2008 and switched nationality in March 2015, but previously represented Slovenia in three Davis Cup ties. His efforts to play for Great Britain – backed by the LTA – have been knocked back by the International Tennis Federation as rules do not allow players to represent more than one country in the competition.
Evans has consistently spoken out against Bedene’s switch of allegiance but the Birmingham-born player went further on Monday, suggesting the 27-year-old’s GB move was motivated by commercial reasons.
“I think he did it because obviously it’s a great country to be from commercially, for the finance and I don’t blame him,” said Evans. “Now he has got a federation [the LTA] who are paying for him to be British, but we’ve got enough players right now.
“Whoever runs the LTA Twitter feed doesn’t like me and likes Aljaz. I don’t want them to tweet me yet I’m as English as pretty much can be. Now he has moved back to Slovenia and yet we are still happy to tweet him as a country and pay for his legal fees. He doesn’t live in the country. I just think you don’t need to be that desperate for an extra player.”
Evans had previously criticised Bedene for changing his nationality on the tennis court. “It’s a tough one. I think becoming British, yeah, it’s fine. But you shouldn’t play Davis Cup if you’ve already played for a different country – it’s like being capped in football,” he said.
Talking to the BBC, Evans also suggested he did not recognise Bedene as British. When told he himself was the British No4, Evans queried: “Fourth?”
When reminded he was behind Bedene, he added: “Oh, so I’m third. I don’t think he really believes he’s British either. 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.”
Evans, has fallen to 58th, two places below Bedene, in the standings and was knocked out of the Mutua Madrid Open in the first round on Monday after a straight-sets defeat to Dutchman Robin Haase. Evans went out in Madrid after making poor starts in both sets, with the world No45 Haase winning 7-5, 6-2 in one hour and 19 minutes.
Rafael Nadal has asked to begin his participation in the Madrid Open a day later than planned due to an ear infection, meaning he will face the Italian Fabio Fognini on Wednesday.
Nadal is seeking a third consecutive clay court title of the season after winning the Barcelona Open and Monte Carlo Masters but his preparation for the tournament in the Spanish capital has been interrupted by the infection.
“On Friday I woke up at three in the morning with pain, a discomfort I had never felt before,” the 14-times grand slam winner said. “I went to the doctor and he told me I had an ear infection. It’s nothing important but it is bothering me, it has caused me headaches and I’ve been feeling dizzy.
“Today I felt better and was able to train well for two hours. My aim and the tournament’s was to start on Tuesday but after this it’s better to wait a day and start on Wednesday.”
If he gets past Fognini, Nadal could face Australian Nick Kyrgios in the third round, with Milos Raonic or David Goffin among his potential quarter-final opponents.
“The draw isn’t ideal but the fact I’m playing at home is a plus,” added the Spaniard, who has won the Madrid Open a record four times.
Earlier, Gael Monfils cut short his press conference after losing to Gilles Simon by the surprise scoreline 6-0, 0-6, 6-7. He later apologised, saying: “I am extremely disappointed by my performance and I did not feel like talking at that time.”
