Goran Ivanisevic set for dream West Brom match at Hawthorns
He may have notched up dozens of titles on the tennis court and won the men's singles final at Wimbledon but Goran Ivanisevic has yet to realise his true dream – until now.
For the tennis champion's long-held ambition has been to watch his beloved West Bromwich Albion play at home.
And now he will finally get his wish after organisers of his next tournament changed the schedule so he can dash to The Hawthorns.
Croatian Ivanisevic will drive to the West Midlands from London for the December 4 clash with Manchester City after schedulers ensured his match at The Royal Albert Hall was the first of the day.
See pictures and video footage of Goran's love affair with Albion here
Statoil Masters Tennis organisers have arranged for him to play the first match of the tournament at 1pm against Britain's Greg Rusedski – then hop in a car and travel to watch the Baggies.
Ivanisevic, who has only previously watched Albion play away, said "At last, I am coming to The Hawthorns to see my team.
"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. Then, me and my friend David – he is the West Brom 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, too. I think we can do it, and I'll be there to see it."
Ivanisevic was introduced to Albion in 2004 by Baggies-supporting tennis journalist David Law, who handles PR for the Masters events.
In September he was invited by head coach Steve Clarke to play alongside Albion staff after showing off his football skills in a Baggies shirt. Clarke also gave him an open invitation to visit the dressing room when he is at the Hawthorns.
Goran Ivanisevic gets West Brom invite after showing off football skills.
Goran Ivanisevic dashes to see first West Brom game at QPR
The 42-year-old will be playing at the annual pre-Christmas even alongside John McEnroe, Pat Rafter and Tim Henman.
Tickets for the Statoil Masters at the Royal Albert Hall are available here
