Evans’ ranking claim stokes nationality row

Tennis: Evans claims to be British No 3 despite being behind Bedene in world standings

Dan Evans insists he is still the rightful British No 3, despite having fallen behind Aljaz Bedene in the world tennis rankings.

The British No 4 has dropped to 58th, two places below Slovenia-born Bedene, in the standings.

Evans was knocked out of the Mutua Madrid Open in the first round yesterday, defeated in straight sets by Dutchman Robin Haase.

Bedene, 27, moved to the UK in 2008 and switched nationality in March 2015, but represented Slovenia in three Davis Cup ties.

When told he was the British No 4, Evans asked: “Fourth?”

When reminded he was behind Bedene, he added: “Oh, so I’m third.”

Evans added on the BBC: “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 had previously spoken out against Bedene’s switch, saying – before the change of allegiance was confirmed – he should not be allowed to represent Britain in the Davis Cup.

International Tennis Federation rules do not allow players to represent more than one country in the Davis Cup.

Bedene had an attempt to overturn his ban and play for Britain rejected by an arbitration hearing in March.

Evans went out in Madrid after making poor starts in both sets, with world No 45 Haase winning 7-5 6-2 in one hour and 19 minutes.

World No 1 Andy Murray, a two-time Madrid champion, will face Marius Copil in the second round today after Copil saved two match points to beat fellow wild card Guillermo GarciaLopez to win 7-6, 4-6, 7-6.

Tomas Berdych advanced to the second round by beating Uzbekistan qualifier Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-4. Florian Mayer defeated Marcel Granollers 7-5, 7-5 and will play ninth seed David Goffin.

Gilles Simon beat fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils 0-6, 6-0, 7-6. He will next meet American qualifier Ernesto Escobedo or Spaniard Feliciano Lopez.

Grigor Dimitrov beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6, 6-4.

Nick Kyrgios was a 7-6-6-4 winner over Marcos Baghdatis.

Picture: Getty. Dan Evans was knocked out of the Mutua Madrid Open in the first round yesterday, defeated in straight sets by Dutchman Robin Haase.