Roger Federer vs Marcus Willis – it may be one of the biggest mismatch in the competition, but there is plenty of interest for this second round clash on Wednesday. Former world no. 1 Federer is one of the best grass-court players ever, while Willis ranked no. 772, after winning his first round encounter against Ricardas Berankis in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
Federer has always been one of the most supported players in Wimbledon, year after year, but that could change a little in his second round clash. Willis, a Brit, who is an underdog, is expected to receive massive support, making it a must-watch, early in the competition.
People are excited about the match, and especially Willis' fairytale run. The British player had plans to move to the US to become a coach as well. However, his late entry into the qualifiers seems to have changed all that, and he also increased his earning to least £50,000 thanks to his second round entry.
Federer is aware of the fantastic story, and believes he is good player as well.
"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," ATP's official website quoted Federer as saying.
"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."
Willis considers this match to be a dream, but Federer is huge favourite to end his run in Wimbledon. Federer, if he plays his normal game, should not take much time in defeating the Brit player.
However, the Swiss ace did not have an easy time during his first round match against Guido Pella, who tested Federer to the hilt. The former world number 1 defeated Pella 7-6, 7-6, 6-3. Federer, with the quality of competition in the circuit, needs to raise his bar, and come up with a greater win against Willis.
The match between the two players could be highly exciting with their styles of play as well. Willis loves to play serve and volley, which will open chances for Federer to play his majestic cross court shots and lob to perfection.
The winner of the clash will meet either Milos Raonic or Andres Seppi in the next round.
Where to Watch Live
Roger Federer vs Marcus Willis match is the third match at Centre Court, with the first game starting at 1 p.m local time ( 5:30 p.m IST, 8 a.m ET)
India: TV:Star Sports 1 and Star Sports HD1. Live Streaming:Starsports.com and Hotstar.
UK: TV:BBC Two. Live Streaming: BBC iPlayer.
Switzerland: TV: SRG.
Pan-Asia: TV:Fox Sports Asia. Live Streaming:Fox Sports Play Asia.
Canada: TV:CTV and TSN. Live Streaming:TSN TV.
Europe:TV: EuroSport. Live Streaming:EuroSport Player.
France and Middle East: TV:Bein Sports. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
USA: TV:ESPN3. Live streaming:Watch ESPN.
Australia: TV:Fox Sports. Live Streaming:Foxtel.
China: TV:Beijing TV, LeTV Sports, Jiangsu TV.
