Aljaz Bedene thanks Wimbledon crowd as win gives Briton 'goosebumps'

Andy Sims4 July 2017

British number four Aljaz Bedene admitted he felt right at home after slaying Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic in a Wimbledon marathon slug-fest on Court Three.

The Slovenian-born 27-year-old, who gained UK Citizenship two years ago, beat the big-serving 21st seed 8-6 in the final set.

The pair could not be separated over four gruelling sets, all of which went to tie-breaks, but after four hours and 25 minutes Bedene finally broke Karlovic's resistance.

All 61 games before that went with serve, with Karlovic slinging down 44 aces and Bedene, no slouch with his own serve, weighing in with 27.

Bedene, who stayed on court even longer to sign autographs and have pictures taken with a new legion of fans, said afterwards: "It was quite a long match, sometimes a bit boring probably, serve, serve, serve.

Wimbledon 2017 - In pictures

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"But it's a good win. I was getting goosebumps even before that when everyone was clapping. I think it was maybe 5-4 in the fifth set.

"I was enjoying the match. Probably I wouldn't say that if I lost, but I was enjoying it at that moment as well.

"Does it feel like a home win? Yes, definitely.

"I didn't want to leave because it did feel good. I wanted to give something back, as well, because they were supporting me.

AFP/Getty Images

"I don't mind giving a few selfies and autographs. That was my contribution to them because I just wanted to say thank you to all of them who came out and supported me today."

Tie-breaks are, unsurprisingly, familiar territory for 38-year-old Karlovic and he won the first but Bedene showed his grit by snatching the second.

Karlovic came from 5-2 down to take the third, only for Bedene to respond in a nerve-jangling fourth, but by then the veteran Croat was feeling the pace.

"I know the big guys are getting tired quicker," added Bedene. "Although I lost the third set, I said, 'okay, I just have to stick with it, be focused on my service games, maybe get a chance'."

Getty Images

Next up for Bedene is a showdown with an old friend, Damir Dzumhur, in round two on Wednesday.

But the Bosnian may have to look elsewhere for his kit, as Bedene revealed: "I actually lent him two match shirts and two shorts for today's match.

"Will I get them back in time? He has to, right?"

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