Battling Bedene proves he is a Brit of a fighter

ALJAZ BEDENE’S nationality has been the subject of much scrutiny recently but there was no doubting who the crowd on Court No 3 were rooting for throughout a mammoth contest against 21st-seed Ivo Karlovic that only just ended before dusk turned to dark. A rapturous roar greeted Bedene’s fierce backhand winner down the line that brought an end to four hours, 25 minutes of play in one of the finest results of the 27-year-old’s career. And afterwards, the British No 4 affirmed his triumph as belonging to Wimbledon’s home fans. Some, notably Dan Evans, Britain’s No 3 for the time being, may consider that warmth slightly awkward given Bedene has spoken of possibly switching back to his native Slovenia to compete at the Olympics. But having lived in Welwyn Garden City since 2008, he is undoubtedly a player wrapped in British culture and only the ITF have stopped Bedene’s wish to play for Britain in Davis Cup ties. On this evidence he would be a very useful addition to the squad. Bedene, after finally beating Karlovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6, 8-6, said: ‘I’m a British citizen and I love playing here. At the end it was full and I was getting goosebumps when everyone was clapping at 5-4 in the fifth. I love Britain.’ Bedene and Karlovic churned through their service games with apparently no end in sight. Bedene required constant mental strength as ace after ace rained down — 44 in total for Karlovic — and no little physical application as he buzzed around, searching for angles to bypass his 6ft 11in opponent. Karlovic is a player who has proved obdurate for the world’s best and even at 38 years old possesses a serve that is freakishly mechanical. This was the first match to feature four tiebreaks at Wimbledon since 2002 and they exchanged 399 points with only four rallies lasting longer than nine shots. Between them, just 13 break-point opportunities were offered up and Bedene succeeded on his fifth chance, earned through uncharacteristic Karlovic errors and, at deuce, a rasping cross-court return. He grabbed the golden opportunity against a man 11 years his senior with both hands, dipping low at another deep Karlovic serve to deliver a double-backhand that triggered celebrations. ‘Every five-set win probably feels the best,’ said Bedene. ‘He was getting actually tired. Basically the only thing he can do at the end was serve. I was still OK. I wouldn’t say I was fresh, but I felt good on the court. I was hoping we’re going to finish today.’ Bedene’s second-round opponent is Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur.