AFP,  LONDON: Marcus Willis's brief flirtation with Wimbledon fame was ended by Roger Federer as Novak Djokovic racked-up an Open era record of 30 successive Grand Slam wins on a day when torrential rain caused more havoc to the schedule. Willis, the world number 772 who had already played seven matches just to make a dream second round clash on Centre Court, went down 6-0, 6-3, 6-4.
“It sounds funny but I am disappointed to lose,” admitted the Englishman.
“It's daunting. I was playing alright at first, I settled into the match. I was enjoying it. If I was playing well and competing with Roger for a couple of sets I was doing well. I've earned myself a beer now.”
Only Federer and Djokovic managed to complete their second round matches on Wednesday after just 90 minutes of action was possible on the rain-lashed outside courts. Only 18 of the 62 ties scheduled for the day were completed.
Willis, who makes his living coaching children and senior citizens at a rowing club in the English midlands, has provided the feelgood factor of a wet, cold week in south-west London.
Having never played a tour match before Wimbledon, the sturdily-built left-hander, dubbed 'Cartman' after a portly character from cartoon series South Park, found himself facing a man who had won 79 matches more than him at the All England Club.
In an indication of the two different worlds they inhabit, Federer has career earnings just shy of $100 million while Willis had banked just $200 this year and still lives with his parents.