British qualifier Marcus Willis, ranked 772 in the world, caused a remarkable upset on the opening day of Wimbledon 2016.
British qualifier Marcus Willis, ranked 772 in the world, caused a remarkable upset on the opening day of Wimbledon 2016.
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Willis celebrates with his mother after a straight-sets victory over world No. 54 Ricardas Berankis in his first senior appearance at the grass-court tournament.
Willis celebrates with his mother after a straight-sets victory over world No. 54 Ricardas Berankis in his first senior appearance at the grass-court tournament.
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Having earned less than $300 in prize money this year, he has guaranteed himself at least $65,000 from this tournament alone.
Having earned less than $300 in prize money this year, he has guaranteed himself at least $65,000 from this tournament alone.
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The 25-year-old, backed by a rowdy home contingent on court 17, had been set to retire from professional tennis. Instead, he saved 19 of 20 break points to beat the highest-ranked Lithuanian tennis player of all time, prompting his mother to brand him the "Jamie Vardy of tennis" -- referring to the Leicester soccer star.
The 25-year-old, backed by a rowdy home contingent on court 17, had been set to retire from professional tennis. Instead, he saved 19 of 20 break points to beat the highest-ranked Lithuanian tennis player of all time, prompting his mother to brand him the "Jamie Vardy of tennis" -- referring to the Leicester soccer star.
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From obscurity to stardom, Willis will next face all-time great Roger Federer, which he described to reporters as "a dream come true."
From obscurity to stardom, Willis will next face all-time great Roger Federer, which he described to reporters as "a dream come true."
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While Willis earned a place in the main draw by winning six qualifying rounds, seven-time champion Federer won his opening match in three sets.
While Willis earned a place in the main draw by winning six qualifying rounds, seven-time champion Federer won his opening match in three sets.
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Willis is not the first Brit to stun the tennis world at Wimbledon. A comparable fairytale in 2001 saw Barry Cowan take to the court against legendary Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras. Bravely battling back from two sets down to force a decider, Cowan may not have won, but his story will surely inspire a new hero at the All England Club.
Willis is not the first Brit to stun the tennis world at Wimbledon. A comparable fairytale in 2001 saw Barry Cowan take to the court against legendary Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras. Bravely battling back from two sets down to force a decider, Cowan may not have won, but his story will surely inspire a new hero at the All England Club.
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Back in 2008, the future seemed bright for Willis -- who reached the third round of the boys' event at Wimbledon. He lost to Australian Bernard Tomic, who is now ranked 19th in the world.
Back in 2008, the future seemed bright for Willis -- who reached the third round of the boys' event at Wimbledon. He lost to Australian Bernard Tomic, who is now ranked 19th in the world.
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Earlier that year, Willis lost in the boys' final at London's Queen's Club.
Earlier that year, Willis lost in the boys' final at London's Queen's Club.
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