FORMER Wokingham schoolboy Marcus Willis saw his Wimbledon dream end at the hands of seven-time champion Roger Federer on Centre Court.
After starting slowly, Willis grew into the match but went down in straight sets 6-0 6-3 6-4.
Willis, ranked 772 in the world, went through six matches just to reach his first ever grand slam and continued on the crest of the wave with a straight sets win over world number 53 Ricardas Berankis in round one.
However, Federer proved to be a step too far.
The 25-year-old could not get anywhere near the Swiss in the opening set, going down 6-0 and struggling with a shoulder problem.
But as the game wore earn, nerves began to settle and he wowed the crowd with a series of big serves, drop-shots and passing winners.
Willis lost the second set 6-3 and could not find a way back after Federer broke his serve to go 5-4 up the third set, taking it 6-4.
Having earned just £250 from tournament prize money all year, this is the former Forest School pupil’s biggest ever payday, winning £50,000.
“I settled into the match,” admitted Willis.
“He puts you under a lot of pressure and puts balls where you don’t want them.”
He added: “I just need to keep going and keep my head down.
“It sounds funny but it’s disappointing to lose. I went out there to win.
“I can hold my head high because I’ve had a fantastic couple of weeks.
“There is life after Wimbledon.”
