Roger Federer put an end to the shocking run of world number 772 Marcus Willis, who had come through pre-qualifiers and qualifiers just to reach the main draw of Wimbledon, in straight sets in the second round at the All-England Club on Wednesday. The Brit had firm support from the fans who cheered every point he won. But in the end, the seven-time Wimbledon champion was too much for him, as Federer claimed a 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Federer dominates opening set
The was throwing their firm support behind Willis right from the first ball but the Brit found himself in trouble in his first service game, double-faulting to give Federer a break point. However, the world number 772 showed some real guts, setting up a point well and finishing with a volley. He would save another with a serve and volley at 40-AD and another with a big serve but finally netting a forehand on the Swiss’ fourth break point to give Federer an early 2-0 lead.
Some brilliant shot making from Willis gave him a break point on Federer’s serve in the following game, but he would net his passing shot and the Swiss would go on to hold for 3-0. In the following game, Federer would convert his second break point to make it a double break lead. The third seed held to force the Brit to serve to avoid a bagel. He would save a set point at 40-AD with a huge serve but he was only delaying the inevitable as he sliced a shot out on the second to give Federer the opening set 6-0.
Swiss untouchable on serve
After the Swiss pushed his run to seven games in a row to start the match, Willis finally got on the board in the second set with a hold in his first game, which drew a standing ovation from the crowd on Centre Court. However, during the first changeover, the Brit called for the trainer to have a look at his shoulder. Still, Willis would hang with Federer through the first four games. In the sixth game, he saved a pair of break points before the Swiss converted his third to grab the initiative.
Federer held to force Willis to serve to stay in the set but this time, the world number 772 was up to the task, holding to put the pressure back on Federer. However, he was unable to get anything going on his return and the seven-time champion held to love to claim a two-sets-to-love lead.
Late break ends Willis’ run
Despite being down two sets, Willis seemed to be growing in confidence. He matched Federer shot for shot on serve, not giving his opponent any looks in the early stages of the second set. He would actually have the first break point opportunity of the set come his way in the sixth game but Federer would save it with an overhead winner.
After a spectacular set of serving from the world number 772, he finally seemed to be worn down by the Swiss legend. At 4-4, Federer broke Willis to love to set up an opportunity to serve out the match. The Brit would mount one last charge, leading 15-30 and pushing Federer on the final point before slicing a backhand long to end his remarkable run.
By the numbers
Willis matched Federer ace for ace, each of them hitting nine, although the Brit had three double faults. The Swiss was the stronger and more consistent of the two, hitting 37 winners and 14 unforced errors to Willis’ 24 winners and 21 unforced errors. The Brit failed to convert either of his break points while Federer broke serve five times.
The third seed will go on to play the winner between Dan Evans and Alexandr Dolgopolov.