Marcus Willis’ fairytale Wimbledon ended by Roger Federer but Britain’s buoyant world No772 says: It’s time for a beer!
Rank outsider claims taste of the big time has transformed his career after he loses to seven-time winner in the second round
MARCUS WILLIS's Wimbledon fairytale came to an end at the hands of Roger Federer as the drained British underdog admitted: ‘It’s time for a beer!’
Qualifier Willis had been travelling to the event by tube and his SW19 story came to the end of the line with a 6-0 6-3 6-4 loss.
But defeat couldn't ruin a day to remember for the new star of the All England Club, who turned up dressed almost exactly like his Swiss opponent - including a trademark headband.
After winning a first point in the opening game Willis cheekily played with his shirt initialled with the Swiss 17-time Grand Slam champion's 'RF' logo, before fist pumping as the crowd erupted.
But the portly left-hander - dubbed 'Cartman' after the South Park character - was ultimately outclassed in 84 minutes by a man who has won 79 matches more than him at the All England Club.
World number 772 Willis said: "It sounds funny but I am disappointed to lose.
"It's daunting. It's tough. I was playing alright at first, I settled into the match.
"I was enjoying it. If I was playing well and competing with Roger for a couple of sets I was doing well.
"I've earned myself a beer now!
“The last three years my attitude's been a lot better, the results didn’t come straight away
“There’s life after Wimbledon, I’ve got to knuckle down. I want more.
The 25-year-old hit 24 winners, served nine aces and twice came within a whisker of breaking Federer, while displaying all the personality that has made him a fans' favourite.
Seven-time Wimbledon winner Federer rained on Willis’s parade, but did not have it all his own way.
The Brit grew in confidence and bounced back from notching up a dreaded ‘bagel’ in the first set to chalk up three games in the second set and four in the third.
But Federer cruised home and will now play Dan Evans or Alexandr Dolgopolov in the third round.
The Swiss said: "It was very different. Marcus brought some unbelievable energy to the court with the fans, his play and his personality as well.
"It was very refreshing. I always knew it was going to be a completely different match than I'd played at Wimbledon before.
"Marcus had nothing to lose. He could go out and enjoy himself and I thought he did that wonderfully."
Just months ago Willis - who works as a coach at the Warwick Boat Club in the English midlands - was considering calling time on his failing tennis career.
But he was persuaded to give his career one last shot by girlfriend Jennifer Bate.
And it paid off big time as Willis went on to turn over world number 54 Ricardas Berankis in the first round.
Willis had banked just £269 this year but trousered £50,000 for his first-round win – before heading home to his parents’ house.