2004 Apr 19 - Bogdanovic slams LTA

Alex Bogdanovic disagrees with the Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) assessment of his commitment to the British tennis cause and has vowed to play on and give it his all.

The recent decision by the LTA to drop Alex from the national squad means he will no longer receive the £80,000 per year of LTA funding, coaching by Martin Bohn or free use of the tennis facilities at Queen's Club.

Alex commented:

"It's unfair to say I lack commitment. I got into the game because I love it so much and I practice for four hours a day.

"Before the grass-court season last year I was ranked 550 in the world.

"There was no pressure on me, I was having fun and the results came.

"Then the pressure arrived. There was a lot of pressure on me and it wasn't easy to deal with. I was expected to win every match.

"Now I'm just going to go out and enjoy myself and give my all. I've got to keep moving forward.

"I'm on my own now and I know it's going to be tough.

"I'm just going to give it my all and see what happens."

The unfortunate news as we approach the clay court season is that Alex will not be able to practice on the red clay courts at Queen's Club - the only such courts in London!