Having lived in Surrey for three years with his English girlfriend Lucy, Rusedski opted to take British citizenship in 1995.

His decision was not universally popular. Mark Petchey was among those to publicly criticise the move, and did not disguise his delight when he beat the new Brit at Queen's that year.

Rusedski rode a wave of hysteria to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon, but like much of his career, it wasn't without controversy. Reacting to the fervour, he donned a Union Jack bandana for his match on 1 July. As the Canadian media raged, Rusedski claimed he did not realise his gesture coincided with Canada Day.