He may be getting absolutely hammered by one of the game’s all-time greats, but tennis fans all across Britain – and indeed the world – have a new favourite player in Marcus Willis.
The world no.772 is currently taking on Roger Federer on Centre Court at Wimbledon, after making through to the Grand Slam’s second round earlier this week.
Willis is the ultimate underdog, having came through six rounds of qualifying before defeating the world no.54 Ricardis Berankis on Monday – much to Andy Murray’s delight.
And the 25-year-old was handed a dream draw in what could be his first, last and only match on Wimbledon’s big stage against the 18-time major winner, and seven-time winner at the London event.
Federer swiftly reminded Willis where he was by claiming the first set 6-0, but Willis composed himself to lose the second set just 6-3, before claiming the lead twice in the third set.
His mini heroics and charismatic attitude seemed to entertain just about everyone watching:
Marcus Willis definitely making the most of this occasion!! Can't stop smiling #Wimbledon2016 ?
— Ashley Parry (@AshleyLParry) June 29, 2016
Marcus Willis wearing a Roger Federer polo playing Roger Federer?
— Sean Ramsey (@Sean_Ramsey7) June 29, 2016
Marcus Willis' girlfriend…. pic.twitter.com/dyjfYktpbx
— SamMeader (@SamMeader) June 29, 2016
Aw Marcus Willis is my new fav! What a babe! Feds will still win like #Wimbledon
— Rachel Smith (@Rachesmith) June 29, 2016
Marcus Willis is such an incredible story
— Nick Anderson (@nickanderson_19) June 29, 2016
Everyone loves an underdog!#MarcusWillis
— Nicola Scholes (@_nicolascholes) June 29, 2016
LOVE #MarcusWillis ???
— anna ✈️ (@scanneranner) June 29, 2016
#MarcusWillis mates didn't even bother getting tshirts printed, they've just written on plain tees w/a Sharpie ?? brilliant #Wimbledon
— Sarah Kearney (@Jeffercakes) June 29, 2016
Love Marcus Willis, he just cannot stop smiling ??????????
— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) June 29, 2016
Federer v Marcus Willis on Centre Court. Willis is ranked number 23 in Britain. To put that in context Sue Barker is still ranked 15th.
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) June 29, 2016
Marcus Willis is living the DREAM. A day he will not forget for the rest of his life, wonderful to see #Wimbledon #bbctennis
— Adam Stubbings (@A_Stubbings) June 29, 2016
Marcus Willis, what a champ????
— Tom (@McCormack_Tom) June 29, 2016
Marcus Willis! L E G E N D #Wimbledon
— Anton Jerntved (@AntonJerntved) June 29, 2016
The England football team could learn from Marcus Willis. We totally expect you to lose but you gain respect for giving it your best.
— Sartorial thug (@SartorialThug) June 29, 2016
What have you made of Willis’s run?
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