Aljaz Bedene to compete for Slovenia once again

Aljaz Bedene says he will switch from representing Britain back to his birth nation of Slovenia, which will allow him to play Davis Cup and the Olympics.

Bedene, who became a British citizen in 2015, has been blocked from playing Davis Cup for Britain because of a recent International Tennis Federation rule prohibiting players from representing more than one nation in team competition during their professional careers. The 28-year-old and Britain's Lawn Tennis Association had appealed to the ITF for him to be allowed to represent Britain, but the appeal was not upheld.

"It was a dream of mine to be able to compete for a country that has given me so much in the Davis Cup," he said in a statement, but added that he wanted "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."

Bedene had been based in Britain since 2008, but has been spending more time in his native country since getting married to longtime girlfriend and singer Kimalie, who apparently indicated a desire to move back to her Slovenian home. Bedene has still been seen training in Britain this month, according to the BBC.

Bedene's twin, Andraz, was recently named assistant captain to the Slovenian Davis Cup team. He is also friendly with the new captain, Miha Mlakar.

Bedene is No. 49 in the rankings.