Goran gets his Baggies wish
GORAN Ivanisevic will finally get to see his beloved Albion play at The Hawthorns after Statoil Masters Tennis organisers arranged for him to play the first match of the tournament early enough for him to drive from the Royal Albert Hall to the Black Country.
Ivanisevic, who began supporting the Baggies when they were bottom of the Barclays Premier League back in 2004, will open the show against Greg Rusedski on Wednesday, December 4, and then hot-foot it to see Steve Clarke’s men host Manchester City.
“At last, I am coming to The Hawthorns to see my team!” said Ivanisevic, after being told the order of play for the Statoil Masters Tennis, the annual pre-Christmas event, organised by IMG, and featuring John McEnroe, Pat Rafter and Tim Henman.
“I have been waiting for this moment for eight years, ever since we stayed up on the last day of the season in 2005 - the Great Escape!
“I went to Loftus Road to see us play against QPR two years ago, and we scored in the last few minutes - I was so happy.
“But I have always wanted to be there at a home match at The Hawthorns, to see our stadium for the first time, and to ‘Boing’ with the guys.
“I can’t wait!
“I will play the first match of the tournament against Greg Rusedski on Wednesday afternoon (December 4).
“Then, me and my friend David - he is the Albion freak that introduced me to the team - will drive up and be there.
"It will be the perfect day!
“It is a big test for us against Manchester City.
“They probably have the best squad in the league, but we went to Old Trafford and beat them for the first time in more than 30 years, so we can beat anyone.
“We should have beaten Chelsea last week, too, so I think we can do it, and I’ll be there to see it!”
After his clash with Rusedski, Ivanisevic will take on Pat Rafter on Saturday, December 7 – with the pair attempting to bring back memories of their classic 2001 Wimbledon final.
For further information on the Statoil Masters Tennis Tournament or to purchase tickets, click here.