TENNIS NEWS – IT’S MARCUS WILLIS’ DAY AT WIMBLEDON BUT ROGER FEDERER IS THE ONE ROLLING INTO THIRD ROUND BY RICKY DIMON

Written by: Staff on 29th June 2016

TENNIS NEWS - IT'S MARCUS WILLIS' DAY AT WIMBLEDON BUT ROGER FEDERER IS THE ONE ROLLING INTO THIRD ROUND BY RICKY DIMON

epa05397977 Marcus Willis of Britain reacts as he plays Roger Federer of Switzerland during their second round match at the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 29 June 2016. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO COMMERCIAL SALES |

It was unofficial Marcus Willis Day at Wimbledon, if not throughout all of London. The Cinderella story who has captivated the British sporting world this week may not have found the win column on Wednesday, but he will always be able to say that he played against Roger Federer on Centre Court at the All-England Club.

And he even gave a strong account of himself–well, at least after the first seven games.

Willis watched Federer storm to a 6-0, 1-0 advantage before the massive underdog finally held serve in this improbable second-round showdown. From there Willis dabbled into the realm of competitiveness before ultimately succumbing to the 17-time Grand Slam champion 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 25 minutes.

Marcus Willis of Great Britain returns to Roger Federer of Switzerland during thier second round match at the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 29 June 2016 EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

Using a wild mix of serve-and-volley tactics, unorthodox backhand slices, and lob after lob after lob, Willis treated an enthralled crowd to consistent entertainment during the second and third sets. The only time he got broken in the second, at 2-3, Willis pushed Federer to three deuces and had one game point. He also earned a break point to go up 4-3 in the third but could not convert.

“It was all just a blur,” the 25-year-old Brit commented. “It was amazing. I did enjoy myself even though I was getting duffed up. I loved every bit of it; not the duffing bit. I loved getting [into the match and] fighting hard. Just the whole experience was incredible.”

A lot more incredible, it has to be said, than giving tennis lessons. That’s what Willis had been doing at a local club before being forced to postpone some of those lessons by virtue of his borderline miracle run through pre-qualifying, qualifying, and round one of the main draw (beat Ricardas Berankis in straight sets).

“I was quite a bit intrigued even before he was in my section of the draw,” Federer said of the world No. 772.” After he qualified, I was reading a lot about his story. And then next thing you know, he’s like one match away from me if I win. Of course, then it happened. More and more stories build up. I felt very well prepared. I enjoyed it. I thought he played very well.”

“I’ll remember most of the Centre Court matches (I’ve played) here at Wimbledon, 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 770 in the world. That’s what stands out the most for me: the support he got, the great points he played.”

Speaking of standing out, Willis wore a Nike shirt with Federer’s RF logo on one of the sleeves. That’s right; Willis wore a shirt with his opponent’s logo on it; not something you see every day.

And what transpired on Centre Court today is something you may not see ever again.

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.

Roger Federer of Switzerland returns to Marcus Willis of Great Britain during thier second round match at the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 29 June 201 EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

Topics: 10sballs.com, Atp World Tour, Grass tennis, London, Marcus Willis, Ricky Dimon, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News, The Championships, Wimbledon 2016

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10sBalls_com says:

June 29, 2016 at 8:34 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: It’s @Willbomb90 Day At #Wimbledon But @rogerfederer Is The One Rolling Into Third Round…
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