[From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2021]

On today’s episode of The Tennis Files Podcast, I spoke with ATP Pro Marcus Willis about how he went from teaching tennis lessons for 30 pounds an hour (about $40) to playing Roger Federer on Center Court at Wimbledon in 2016. 

Marcus has reached a career high ranking of #322 in singles and #209 in doubles on the ATP tour. He was also ranked as high as 15 in the combined junior world rankings. But Marcus struggled to breakthrough on the pro tour until he decided to work harder than everyone else and had a support system that held him accountable. Then in 2016 his hard work paid off; he got through pre-qualifying, qualifying, and his first round match to face arguably the greatest player of all time on Center Court at Wimbledon.

On the show, you’ll learn the in-depth story behind Marcus’s incredible run at Wimbledon, how he was able to win against much higher ranked players, the key to transforming his career in 2016, the biggest mistakes that amateur players make, Marcus’s huge win in doubles against the defending Wimbledon champions the following year, how to succeed on the tour, and much more!

I hope you enjoy my interview with Marcus! Let us know what you think about this episode in the comments below!

And be sure to subscribe to Tennis Files to receive the latest tennis content to improve your game straight into your inbox!

Marcus Instagram
Marcus Twitter
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices