Federer On Willis: 'Kind Of Stories We Need In Our Sport'

Count Roger Federer among the growing number of Marcus Willis fans at Wimbledon.

Federer, who won his first-round contest in straight sets over Argentine Guido Pella, said he’s thrilled for the 25-year-old Willis, a tennis teaching pro who had to win six matches in pre-qualifying and qualifying to make it to Wimbledon. On Monday, Willis also won his first-round match, sweeping World No. 54 Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

“I think it’s one of the best stories in a long time in our sport,” Federer said after his first-round match. “This is the kind of stories we need in our sport.”

As much as Federer appreciates Willis, who was a Top 15 junior but lacked the drive he now possesses, the Swiss star would be OK if the feel-good story ended on Wednesday. That’s when the seven-time champion will face Willis, No. 772 in the Emirates ATP Rankings.

“I’m very excited to be playing him, actually. It’s not something that I get to do very often,” Federer said.

The second-round match will be a rare first for Federer, who has played more than 1,300 tour-level matches and is making his 18^th consecutive appearance at Wimbledon. The 88-time titlist has faced up-and-coming players or players with very low Emirates ATP Rankings, but never before has he faced someone who still teaches tennis to kids and adults on the side for £30 an hour.

“This match is different. It’s picked up on momentum. People will hear about it. People will know about it. Naturally they’re going to support him. Rightfully so, because I think it’s a very cool story myself. It’s going to make the match difficult,” Federer said. “I saw him play today. He plays well. It’s not like he couldn’t play. Otherwise he wouldn’t be where he is. It’s going to be interesting. Plus he is serve and volleying, which I love to see. He came up with some great, great shots. To beat a guy of Berankis’ caliber in straight sets shows you how tough he is.”

Federer, who has served and volleyed a bit in his day, also delivered a scouting report on Willis, who likely will have to cancel more lessons to play against Federer. “A little bit more old school, using the slice, chipping the returns. Dangerous off the back… Saw some nice touch at the net,” Federer said. “First couple of days, it’s tricky to play anybody here at Wimbledon… I think his game is perfectly suited for these kind of conditions right now.”

Federer, whose story has been told thousands of times over the years, would even like to ask a few questions to Willis. “I just like the idea of him… It would be nice for him to tell me exactly how it went, the decision to enter pre-quallies. What went through his mind really, why he wanted to quit tennis, take up coaching… It’s just an interesting concept,” Federer said. “There’s a lot of cool things that are part of the story.”

Federer, who’s playing in only his seventh tournament of the season because of injuries, has said he has few expectations for this Wimbledon. He, like Willis, will be hoping for a great atmosphere and a good match in the second round. “If he gets more support, that’s awesome. If I get more support, that’s nice,” Federer said. “I hope he can play as good as he can and that I also can play a good match and everybody enjoys themselves.”