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Marcus Willis: We Love an Underdog

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30 June 2016

By Alex Khalil

The part-time tennis coach might not have won against arguably the best tennis player in the world. But while he may have been beaten, Willis won over the crowds watching, which included his girlfriend Jennifer Bate, cheering him on.

£30-an-hour part-time coach Marcus Willis was recently knocked out of Wimbledon, after facing off against Roger Federer. After an hour and 25 minutes of cross court tension, the “big boned” coach was beaten by Federer. Willis managed to squeeze into the tournament due to his friend and rival Scott Clayton, who decided to skip the English season this year. The 22-year-old decided instead to travel to Turkey, and play in a Futures event at the Belconti Resort in Antalya.

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While Federer may have come out on top, it was anything but a cakewalk. Willis’s combination of erratic moves and serves proved a challenge for the Swiss player in the first few games, but he adjusted steadily.

After the game, Willis came out to the crowd with tears in his eyes, and acknowledged his loss.

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I’m sure those numbers mean something to someone.

In an interview afterward, he said:

“I was enjoying it out there. If I’m playing quite well and competing with Roger Federer for a couple of sets, I’m doing the right thing.”

Even Andy Murray has said for Marcus to keep playing, and to continue to improve his skillset.

Federer, after the match, said he had entered the game as if he were playing a top 50 player, “because that’s the level he was playing at.”

Marcus concluded with:

“I need to keep my head down. I am disappointed to lose. I didn’t play as well as I could but I can hold my head high. I have had a fantastic couple of weeks. I will keep going and do what I have been doing. There is life after Wimbledon and I want more experiences like this. I’ve earned myself a beer now!”

Marcus, be proud of yourself, buddy. You stood up against one of the greats and gave him a good thrashing before you went down.

So yes. You have definitely earned yourself a beer.

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