A STAR of world tennis will be heading to the Boodles Classique event at the Mere Golf Resort and Spa this summer.

2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic will be in attendance at the event, which will take place from June 27 to 29.

Boodles director, Jody Wainwright, was joined by guest of honour, Richard Krajicek, who officially launched the tournament at a party in Manchester on Monday and announced that Goran would be appearing.

Wainwright was also joined by Paralympic gold medallist, Lee Pearson CBE, who was representing Enable Sport, this year’s official tournament charity.

Mark Boler, founder and chief executive at the Mere, said: “This year’s Boodles Classique is shaping up to be an excellent event with the tournament welcoming its strongest player field to date and the lure of The Mere’s setting.

“It is no surprise that more than 70 of the tickets have already been sold.

“We are very excited about the event, and our events team are already working on the preparations for what we believe will be one the biggest and best events the resort has ever held.”

In addition to Ivanisevic and Krajicek, the field will be completed by former Wimbledon and US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis, two-time Wimbledon doubles champion Peter McNamara and French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors, with one player still to be announced.

Ivanisevic won the hearts of the British fans during his epic Wimbledon win as a wild card in 2001, and is delighted to be competing at the Boodles Classique.

He said: “I am so happy to be coming to the north west.

“I have heard so many great things about the tournament from the other players over the years.

“I am really excited that I can finally be there to find out why they all love the event so much.”