BY the time Dustin Brown finishes his tennis career he could go down as Jamaica’s best player ever.

But the recognition being sought by the 25-year-old inside his own country might prove more difficult than playing in a major Grand Slam.

Brown, who was born in Celle, Germany to a German mother and Jamaican father, has been at odds with Tennis Jamaica and last represented the country in 2003.

His tiff with the local hierarchy is well documented, after calling for the sacking of technical director and former national representative Douglas Burke.

Tennis Jamaica has expressed a willingness to bury the hatchet, but remains resolute that it will not bow to Brown’s wish to get rid of Burke.

Now at a career-high 105th following the latest ATP Rankings released on April 19, Brown is bemoaning the lack of recognition he’s receiving from his very own despite competing in 11 tournaments since 2010.

“I am more than disappointed how it is handled in Jamaica,” said Brown. “Only through my own initiative and your (Jamaica Observer) work it was written in at least one of the Jamaican media… otherwise nothing,” he said.

Just over a week ago in Johannesburg, South Africa, Brown captured his first ATP Challenger Tour title of the year by winning the Soweto Open.

It’s a major accomplishment for the tall Jamaican who has garnered extra worldwide appeal with his flowing dreadlocks and charismatic display on the court.

Despite all that, however, he said, those in authority have not shown any interest in him.

“Even though it is their duty to develop tennis in Jamaica… not one word from Tennis Jamaica… the whole world takes interest… and Jamaica the land I am representing, nothing,” Brown said, noting that the German Tennis Federation “always report my results”.

The brunt of his dissatisfaction is laid squarely at the feet of Tennis Jamaica, while he admits for the first time that “I am really wondering if I am wasting my time representing Jamaica and holding the flag high”.

While his stock continues to grow internationally, Brown claims Tennis Jamaica is trying to paint a bad picture of him through the media after publicly criticising them.

“They find the time trying to give me a bad name in the media instead of trying to push tennis in Jamaica. Nothing is about me … I found a way to make it for myself,” noted Brown, who is without a coach.

“When I needed help and support nobody was there. I was fighting for a better system for talented players without such parents, my talent and luck, because without that it is impossible under the current system in Jamaica. They never thought in their wildest dreams I could make it this far and that is the real problem now,” he added.