Willis out of Wimbledon but reputation is restored

When Marcus Willis was sent home from the Australia Open in disgrace earlier this year, he was branded as yet another failed and pampered product of the Lawn Tennis Association’s academy.

Criticism was immediate and emphatic and Willis returned to England in disgrace and with his career hanging in the balance.

But, one thing British tennis has become well known for in recent years is the epic comeback.

First Tim Henman, now Andy Murray, and who is to say that we won’t soon be including Marcus Willis in that list albeit over a longer time period.

The 17-year-old who plays his tennis at the Win Tennis academy in Bisham, this week played his way through to the third round of the Wimbledon Junior Championships before being knocked out by No.1 seed Bernard Tomic from Australia on Wednesday evening.

Far from spectacular progress, but the signs are there that the teenager has the quality and now the commitment to continue his progress.

“I’ve been pleased with the tennis I’ve played this year,” he exclusively told the Advertiser.

“My first match was quite an epic (Willis, won 11-9 in the deciding set). It was a difficult match, the first one in any tournament is, as you’ve got to get used to things.”

After his marathon 6-3, 3-6, 11-9 win over the Italian Giacomo Miccini Willis had a chat with coach Victor Rubenov and the words had the desired effect as he beat Japanese player Hiroyasu Ehara 6-4, 6-2 to reach the third round for the second successive year.

“I’m more experienced this year and my game has changed a lot. I’m coming forward a lot more and my hands are moving a lot better. I believe in myself and my game on grass.”

So have the past experiences had an influence on his fledgling career?

“Definitely. It’s not what I’m about. It was one little blip and people have blips. I don’t want to be thought of in a negative frame.

“I’ve learned from it and I’ve moved on and I think I’m a better players as a result.”

Willis also reserved praise for his coaches at Win Tennis academy where he trains.

“All the coaches have been great with me especially my personal coach Victor Rubenov.”