A tennis club instructor who faced Roger Federer at Centre Court while ranked 772nd in 2016 has made a return to Wimbledon in men’s doubles. Marcus Willis had not competed at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament since a run to the third round of doubles in 2017 alongside Jay Clarke.
FILE - Marcus Willis of Britain returns to Roger Federer of Switzerland during their men’s singles match on day three of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Wednesday, June 29, 2016. Willis, the Everyman’s everyman who faced Roger Federer at Centre Court while ranked 772nd in 2016, was back at Wimbledon on Thursday, July 4, 2024, competing in men’s doubles and hoping he might get to have a bit of a reunion with the now-retired eight-time champion at the All England Club.
Eight years ago, in something ripped straight out of a screenplay, Willis — once a promising junior — was living at home with his parents and earning $40 an hour giving lessons at tennis clubs. He won three matches in a playoff for low-ranked British players to get a berth in Wimbledon qualifying rounds, where he picked up another three victories — including against 2021 U.S.
Told that Federer also was on site Thursday, as a spectator, Willis smiled and said: “Oh, bless him. It would be nice to see him. I’m still starstruck.” Eventually, he found someone to offer financial support so he could afford to travel to tournaments and began playing doubles again two years ago. He’s at No. 96 in the doubles rankings this week.His next goal? Having a doubles ranking high enough that he can get into the Australian Open next January.
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