SW34 is TENNIS.com's Wimbledon blog that will provide on-site news, insight and commentary about a pair of legendary 34-year-olds, Roger Federer and Serena Williams, as they look to once again triumph at the All England Club.
LONDON—Though Marcus Willis is the one doubling as a teaching pro, Roger Federer was the one giving a clinic on Wednesday in their second-round match at Wimbledon.
Despite Federer’s respect for Willis’ unexpected journey to Centre Court, he showed no mercy and broke the Brit right away at the start of the first set.
While Willis was just happy—very, very happy—to be there, the Swiss had the pressure of facing a player ranked No. 772, as well as the pressure of a rare appearance from his parents, seated comfortably in the royal box.
“I had the pressure on my shoulders,” Federer said. “Even though I thought this was a pressure-free tournament, not so much today.”
Willis let out a big grin after every point he managed to win early in the match, and he even raised his arms in triumph after his first ace. It’s been all fairy tales and dreams come true for the Brit, but the contest turned grim quickly as Federer took the first set 6-0.
Federer maintained his poker face and played flawlessly throughout.