Marcus Willis is set to burst back onto the Wimbledon stage a decade after unleashing one of the most thrilling moments in tennis history – that unforgettable lob over Roger Federer on Centre Court. The 35-year-old's remarkable journey, which captured the nation's heart with his incredible run from qualifying in 2016, refuses to be defined solely by that solitary loss to the Swiss maestro.
Willis's fairytale continued long after his epic battle with Federer, where he lost 6-0, 6-3, 6-4. The highlight reel of their contest still has tennis fans salivating – who could forget Willis's magnificent lob over the legendary player? He'd etched his name into Wimbledon folklore and scooped the BBC's 'Shot of the Tournament' for good measure! As he reflected on that experience with BBC Sport, Willis declared, "I'm very grateful for the chance to have been on Centre Court – that's wild – but I wanted to win on Centre Court."
The whirlwind aftermath saw Willis catapulted into the national spotlight, with TV appearances and interview requests pouring in. But as he candidly admits, the fleeting nature of fame meant the initial frenzy eventually died down. "It was life-changing in the short term," he revealed. "But you know how fickle everything is." Willis also opened up about a period of significant change, having almost quit tennis before his Federer showdown and stepping away from the sport entirely in 2018 due to injuries and mental health challenges. During the pandemic, he even donned a hard hat as he took on work for his cousin's bricklaying business to earn a living.
Willis's remarkable return to professional tennis was sparked by a family friend offering to bankroll a comeback. His wife, Jenny, also played a crucial role in persuading him to seize the opportunity. Now, Willis has reinvented himself as a dedicated doubles player, boasting a world ranking of 64th. He approaches the sport with renewed focus and dedication, determined to compete for as long as his body allows.
On Wednesday, Willis and partner David Stevenson will kick-start their Wimbledon campaign against a formidable opening match opponent – fellow Briton Joe Salisbury, partnering with Uruguay's Ariel Behar. This return marks a full circle for Willis, demonstrating the unbreakable spirit of a man who refuses to let his tennis dreams fade away.