Marcus Willis is not one for revelling in nostalgia.
Sports News
But given the 35-year-old Briton is best known for lobbing Roger Federer on Centre Court, he knows his 2016 Wimbledon exploits will follow him for the rest of his life.
Ten years ago, Willis endeared himself to the nation with a heart-warming run from qualifying to a second-round tie against one of the greatest players of all time.
While the world number 772 lost 6-0 6-3 6-4, he won the BBC’s Shot of the Tournament for picking off Federer with a delicious shot, and ensured he would forever be a Wimbledon cult hero.
Key Moments
“People say, did you enjoy every moment? No, I was playing a tennis match. It’s not always fun,” Willis, who begins his Wimbledon men’s doubles campaign on Wednesday, told BBC Sport.
“I’m very grateful for the chance to have been on Centre Court – that’s wild – but I wanted to win on Centre Court.
“It’s strange looking back because it feels like another lifetime.”
Analysis
Federer was a multi-millionaire icon. Willis had earned £220 that year and had to be persuaded by his girlfriend to keep playing professionally.
Federer treated his body as a temple. Willis called himself ‘Cartman’ after the South Park character before cutting out booze and junk food.
The Swiss superstar had the ‘Fed Heads’ supporting him. The British outsider had the ‘Willbombers’ in his corner.
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