Now Roger needs to complete the story...so Willis can say "the only thing that got in his way was the eventual champion".
3
Great story, from both Marcus's and Roger's perspective. It was a milestone for Marcus, which he definitely deserved. I welcome the audience at Wimbledon for their vocal support. I admire Roger's character - he has always been a world class athlete you can respect.
7
I'm not a huge fan of tennis, but I happened to come across this match and watched the majority of it. What an awesome reaction from the crowd, and from Willis. I really enjoyed it.
Roger Federer will go down as one of the classiest sportsman in history as far as I'm concerned. A true gentleman, and a wonderfully stark contrast to the braggadocious athletes we have here in the States.
Roger Federer will go down as one of the classiest sportsman in history as far as I'm concerned. A true gentleman, and a wonderfully stark contrast to the braggadocious athletes we have here in the States.
9
I watched this match last night. It was so much fun to watch. I was hoping Willis got at least one set off of Roger. And as far as Roger Federer - the man has class. He knew the crowd was behind Willis and he let Willis have his moment. Not many players would do that.
11
rog - ever the gentleman but he better step up his game IF he reaches the quarters and has to play da jocker
1
Firstly, I LOVE Roger, absolutely adore him and was naturally happy he won. But what an incredible moment for Marcus to play this match against Roger on Centre Court of Wimbledon! I hope his earnings from this tournament allow Marcus to further his professional career. I'd be very happy to watch him play at the Australian Open next year. Both took to the court in a gracious, respectful manner and how wonderful that was to see
8
Is there anything sweeter than tennis?
Especially Wimbledon.
And a match like this.
Especially Wimbledon.
And a match like this.
5
I'm not saying it's the greatest sport in world but this is certainly an example of what make pro tennis great. A no-name player makes it to centre court at Wimbledon, gives a creditable performance, thrills the world and makes tennis players - from Roger on down - joyful and proud of our own.
If Marcus' lesson bookings are helped by the PR, he deserves it.
If Marcus' lesson bookings are helped by the PR, he deserves it.
6
I was in need of a story about adults acting with class and this article fit the bill. It's what we are supposed to teach our kids about competing in all aspects of their lives, but it's either not being done or it's being forgotten.
16
This is what real sportsmanlike competition is all about. Roger knows it's about more than just him. It's about the sport, the fans, Marcus' fans, and the moment, as well as about playing your best. And Marcus understood all this as well. This is what made this a treat for players and fans alike.
20
Federer is a class act. He lets his opponent walk out to the cheers of the crowd. Letting someone enjoy a special moment shows professionalism and consideration that is rare. Way to go Roger!
25
Now is the reality check for Willis to strive further....
4
It has been a very long time since Tennis felt so full of unbridled joy for at least one of the participants much less two. Marcus' story is really a wonderful one and Roger was the perfect opponent across the net. I smiled, applauded and teared up at the end. Marcus will work harder and become a better player after this tournament.
Federer was his usual classy, smooth and brilliant self. If only this could help him gain more confidence and find his legs for the next four rounds! In the meantime, a truly wonderful day after so many sad stories in the news. Thanks guys for the all court tennis and a lovely ending for Marcus.
Federer was his usual classy, smooth and brilliant self. If only this could help him gain more confidence and find his legs for the next four rounds! In the meantime, a truly wonderful day after so many sad stories in the news. Thanks guys for the all court tennis and a lovely ending for Marcus.
15
The crowd roared for Willis and for Federer. They also rooted for Mannarino vs Djokovic. Wimbledon fans are joyous, knowledgable & can be very still as well as raucous.... But it seems Djokovic does not fully inspire their love & support. Like Lendl , he exudes a bitterness, chip-on-shoulder, 'come on! Cheer for me!'
behavior that dooms him.
behavior that dooms him.
8
As audiences, we prefer our winners to be humble. Athletes who had to overcome real hardship --- particularly economic --- to reach the top usually give off an aura of "I worked hard for this and I deserve it," whereas fans seem to prefer "aw shucks you guys, I'm just lucky, that's all!"
The Williams sisters have been a good example of this (particularly Serena, as she has been the more dominant as well as the more hot-tempered, but Venus got her share of criticism too).
The Williams sisters have been a good example of this (particularly Serena, as she has been the more dominant as well as the more hot-tempered, but Venus got her share of criticism too).
2
Djokovic has resorted to begging for love on court lol
1
He certainly is needy for affection.
1
Roger is the class of tennis.
18
This was a terrific match to watch, even with the sound low (early in the morning over here). When Willis would score a point, the crowd would go wild, and Marcus himself would hold out his arms, as if to say "Hey look, everybody! I scored a point against Roger Freakin' Federer! Can you believe it?"
Notice too, how Willis's score improved in each set: 6-0, 6-3, 6-4. He was clearly doing pretty well with an impossibly steep learning curve. Federer is lucky that Wimbledon isn't best of 7!
Notice too, how Willis's score improved in each set: 6-0, 6-3, 6-4. He was clearly doing pretty well with an impossibly steep learning curve. Federer is lucky that Wimbledon isn't best of 7!
8
Great story! Very nice of Federer to understand and acknowledge his opponent's moment and let him savor the limelight. Hoping Mr. Marcus is fired up by his showing and produces good results in the future.
As a side note, it is easy to forget that almost everyone on the planet have 0 chance of beating Marcus Willis in tennis. I am glad for once cannon fodder is the central character in a story.
As a side note, it is easy to forget that almost everyone on the planet have 0 chance of beating Marcus Willis in tennis. I am glad for once cannon fodder is the central character in a story.
34
Another interesting side note is that until his Wimbledon run this year nearly one hundred percent of all people working in the United States had earned more money this year than Mr. Willis had earned playing professional tennis... only $292 dollars!!!Burt now he will be leaving with 72,000 dollars (before taxes of course)
3
Yes, it is too little appreciated that unlike in the major league team sports with $100+K base salaries, only the very best professional players (top 100 or so in ranking) make a healthy living in tennis, and even fewer break $1,000,000 in total earnings, not to mention the multi-million dollar earnings of the elite in the game.
So, this sport is very much more played out of love than many others at the professional level.
So, this sport is very much more played out of love than many others at the professional level.
4
Feel good story of the week! (after Willis' unexpected first round win of course)
9
Jack Lemmon once said that anything can happen when you get up in the morning. Sports keep proving it day in day out. Carpe diem mate!
17
Great match, good job Marcus, get back up and continue fighting, So glad his girlfriend was by his side, she is quite a stunner and a hard working single momma found her story here http://fabwags.com/jennifer-bate-marcus-willis-girlfriend/
5
Roger, always with class.
37
Editors: run-on sentence alert -- see second paragraph!
6
Roger is always gracious.
47
But in the end, it will always be Roger Federer, such a gazelle on court. The moderator called him the Baryshnikov of tennis. I adore watching him play.