Who Is Marcus Willis? — 5 Things To Know About The Unlikely Wimbledon Superstar – Hollywood Life

Marcus Willis: 5 Things To Know About Brit Tennis Player Beating Odds At Wimbledon

British tennis player Marcus Willis is taking Wimbledon by storm! The wild card is beating the odds and gaining major wins, despite being ranked #775 in the world. Click through to lean more about this rising star. Marcus Willis, 25, is about to become a household name. The British tennis player has defied the odds and risen the ranks in his sport, becoming a force to be reckoned with at Wimbledon 2016 after beating Ričardas Berankis on June 27! Here are five important things to know about the soon-to-be tennis champ!

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1. He pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Wimbledon history.

Marcus beat Lithuanian tennis star Ričardasranked 54 in the world, in straight sets. Take note that Marcus is ranked 775! Now, the newbie is going to face off against the legendary Roger Federer, and the world is waiting with bated breath to see what happens next.

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2. He almost gave up on his tennis career

Up until a week before Wimbledon, Marcus wasn’t even playing tennis anymore. Though he had been immersed in the sport since childhood, he had just given up on making it a career. In fact, he was planning on moving to the United States (Philadelphia, specifically), until he met girlfriend Jennifer Bate, 30. He signed up for Wimbledon by sheer luck, after someone couldn’t get back to the UK in time to register.

3. He’s a tennis coach

Marcus teaches amateur tennis lessons for £30 at the Warwick Boat Club. His lessons are available to everyone from small children, to the elderly. He had to cancel some lessons to compete in Wimbledon! We’re sure his students didn’t mind!

4. His nickname used to be “Cartman.”

Poor Marcus. Once what he called an “overweight loser,” Marcus was nicknamed “Cartman” after the South Park character. He said he looked himself in the mirror about three years ago, and decided that he needed to change. Now, he’s a buff, handsome tennis champ! Well done!

5. He played in a youth league with a tennis giant.

Marcus played youth tennis with tennis superstar Andy Murray, who nicknamed him “Willbomb” back in the day! Andy tweeted his congratulations to Marcus after his major win against Ričardas. Their coach must be freaking out that two of their kids made it so big!

HollywoodLifers, do you think Marcus will win Wimbledon 2016? Tell us in the comments!