Aljaz Bedene ruled ineligible for Britain in Davis Cup

Aljaz Bedene's hopes of representing Great Britain in the Davis Cup have been dashed after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) ruled him ineligible to represent his adopted nation.

Born in Slovenia, Bedene has competed under the British flag since March 2015, although he had previously represented his homeland in the Davis Cup.

Despite doubts over Bedene's eligibility, Britain won the tournament last year, led by world number two Andy Murray.

A Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) appeal was centred on Bedene having applied for a British passport before the ITF changed the eligibility criteria, but their application was rejected on Wednesday.

The ITF Board of Directors also dismissed an appeal from Belarus to allow Maxim Dubarenco – who was born in Moldova – compete in the Davis Cup, although they have allowed Australia to select Russian-born Daria Gavrilova in the Fed Cup.