Willis' run at Wimbledon is over, but it's one we'll never forget

LONDON—Very clearly marveling at where he has found himself, Marcus Willis walked onto Centre Court on Wednesday to thunderous applause from a packed crowd.

His esteemed opponent, Roger Federer, came out next.

“I thought it was cool that he got out first because it's his moment, in my opinion,” Federer said. “I wanted him to have a great time.”

The world No. 3 did his part to maintain the seriousness of someone who has been there before, ending Willis’ dream run and winning their second-round encounter, 6-0, 6-3, 6-4, in less than 90 minutes.

“I'll remember most of the Centre Court matches here at Wimbledon,” Federer said. “But this one will stand out because it's that special, and probably not going to happen again, for me to play against a guy No. 770 in the world.”

From the onset, the world No. 772 showed off his great hands, attempting drop shots from all corners. He made plenty of noise wearing his RF Nike shirt.

“I’m glad [Federer] didn’t ask for it back,” Willis said. “…I bought it for last year’s Wimby, but I didn’t play, so that’s a bit awkward.”

Federer didn’t seem to mind the attire. It was business as usual on his favorite court, and he steamrolled the 25-year-old with a 6-0 first-set bagel.

“I was nervous,” Willis said. “I mean, I’m on center court, the atmosphere is amazing, I was in games. I just didn’t get on the board. He makes you play. He’s class. I thought I played OK in the first set. I didn’t think I deserved to lose 6-0, but there you go.”

Speaking of bagels, you would have to add a few zeros to Willis’ career earnings to get anywhere near Federer’s $98,148, 225. Oh, and add 303 to Willis’ main-draw major wins to match Federer’s 304. Willis will take home roughly $67,000 for his efforts this week.

“It’s great I can clear my debts,” he said. “But I love competing, I love to play tennis.”

Willis, who doubles as a teaching pro, brought out a huge left-handed forehand, coupled with a big serve and a slightly odd backhand slice (that he sometimes hits with two hands).

If he hadn’t been throwing everything he had at Federer on Centre Court, he would have been back at his local tennis club (The Warwick Boat Club), feeding balls for four hours to children.

“It’s not my standard Wednesday,” Willis said. “Next Wednesday might be quite different.”

Overall, he takes away a lot of positives. Though his movement could use some improvement, the Brit did well for himself on the biggest stage in the sport.

“I want to be here,” Willis said. “This is where I want to play tennis. I’ve got a lot to work on, a lot to improve on. That’s exciting for me.”

Federer praised his chip shots, serve and net play.

“I think for him, it's a question of just day in, day out,” Federer said. “Just wanting it, being able to [have a] point-for-point mentality. I saw that today. I believe he can make big strides. But then again, don't forget the Challengers are brutal. So are the Futures. When he gets stuck between 200 and 500, 600, 700, it's a big step getting out of that.”

Willis overcame pre-qualifying, qualifying and a first-round encounter against Ricardis Berankis to set up a dream match against a seven-time Wimbledon champion. It’s the stuff that movies are made off, and the film “Wimbledon” actually features a similar plot.

“It was all just a blur,” Willis said. “It was amazing. I did enjoy myself even though I was getting duffed up. I loved getting stuck in, fighting hard. The whole experience was incredible.”

The local hero’s story has captivated not just his home country, but the entire world. Throughout the match, #Willis was trending on Twitter. His girlfriend, Jennifer Bate, was sitting courtside, and has become nearly as famous for inspiring Willis to keep on playing. And his boisterous headband-wearing cheering squad, calling themselves the Will Bombs, garnered plenty of attention.

“They’re brilliant,” Willis said. “They’re fantastic. They’ve been really supportive. Just adds to the atmosphere.”

The atmosphere, despite the score, was reminiscent of a football match, fitting since the Will Bomb’s chants are football knockoffs. On special occasions, they even waved their shoes in the air for the chant, “Shoes off if you love Willis.”

Willis, after taking some time to focus, improved quickly throughout the match. Finally, 31 minutes in, he got on the board by winning a service game. The crowd rose to it feet, as did Bate and Willis’ parents, while the Will Bombs went Will Wild.

From there, Willis’ moments of star-struck bewilderment dwindled and he began to look the part of a serious professional. Picking up some momentum, he challenged Federer a little bit more in the second set before falling 6-3.

The third set garnered the most noteworthy attention. Willis opened with a hold, and then continued to lead until finally losing his grip on the set and match. Down 4-3, Federer won the final three games for the match.

On match point, Willis sent a shot long from the net, and just like that the fairy tale was over. But what happens next? He’s won over a lot of fans, including his fellow players. Federer, the man he calls the best ever, is now one of those fans.

Still, the reality is that his low ranking will keep him from participating in ATP events, let alone Grand Slams.

“I’m all ears to wild cards to big events, obviously,” Willis joked. “I’ll keep training as I have. I think I have time to hit my peak in a few years.”

Federer had only positive things to say about Willis, and in addition to his praise, he offered some advice.

“I think for anybody in this ranking—you know, outside of, let's say, 300 to 2,000—it's really important to set yourself goals,” Federer said. “Short‑term, long‑term, how many tournaments to play, when to practice. Sometimes I feel like these players lose sight of how important practice is.”

Willis does seem to understand the concept of practice. While his tournament schedule for the rest of the year is still up in the air, his training regimen will continue.

The man who was once knocked for drinking too much and not working hard enough celebrated his achievement with a bottled lager in the locker room, and no one can blame him for it.

The beauty and uniqueness of the Willis story may last a while. Instead of Federer doing a lap around the court after the match, Willis raised his racquet and waved to thunderous applause.

Walking off, Willis even stopped to sign autographs alongside Federer.

“Who would ever [have] thought that was even possible,” said John McEnroe, commentating for BBC.

Who would have thought any of this was possible?