Willis still focused on Wimbledon dream

Sportsdesk • Published 13 Jan 2010 19:00 0 Comments

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Willis and Teneo CEO Piers Carey

BERKSHIRE tennis prodigy Marcus Willis is refusing to lower his ambitions despite having his funding slashed by the LTA this year.

The 19-year-old former Wokingham schoolboy - who has been tipped as one of the rising stars of the British game - has seen his financial support from the sport's governing body cut by a massive £26,500 in 2010.

Last year the Slough-born ace had an estimated £30,000 invested in him by the LTA. However, as he continues his transition from junior tennis to the senior game, he has been promised just £3,500 this year.

Despite this he has his eyes firmly fixed on improving on last year's achievements and is set on snaring a place in the main draw at Wimbledon 2010.

The former St Paul's and Forest School pupil said: "Last year I was given £11,000 for travelling, but I also had coaching, accommodation and food paid for me. I would say it was about £30,000 altogether.

"But this year I have been given £3,500 for the first six months and, if I meet the targets the LTA set, I will then get another £3,500 for the second six months.

"It is going to be difficult and I will need to try to get as much sponsorship as I can to help me go to as many tournaments as possible."

The LTA will pay out the second installment of £3,500 if Willis, currently ranked 602 in the world, breaks into the top 450.

It is a tall order for the youngster but he is extremely confident it is within his grasp.

He said: "I definitely think I'll get into the top 450 by June, I'll be really disappointed if I don't. I didn't get past the first round of any tournaments before April last year so all my ranking points came later in the year.

"That means I'm not defending any ranking points for the first three months so every win will boost my ranking."

Last year Willis caused a major shock by beating world number 128 Amer Delic on the way to the second qualifying round at Wimbledon. He ultimately fell to Italian Andrea Stoppini at that stage.

But the Delic win has given him the confidence to believe he can go two steps further this year and qualify for the main draw.

He said: "Delic had been in the top 100 before I played him and also got through to the third round of the Australian Open.

"To beat someone like that makes me realise what I am capable of. I lost in the second round, but beating Delic gives me confidence and proves what I can do if I keep working hard and improving.

"I really want to break into the top 300, but the top aim this year is definitely to make it into the main draw at Wimbledon, there is no doubt about that.

"I showed last year what I can do and now I'm so focused on getting into that main draw. I know I am good enough, but the key is to make sure I am playing well at the right time.

"I know what my strengths are and I know what my weakness are and what I need to work on."

And Willis' game seems ideally set up to develop into a classic grass court serve and volley. He said: "I think there are a lot of strengths to my game. I've got a good serve and a good volley. I've got good hands."

Next up for Willis is a trip to Israel for a Futures event. And he is keen to secure sponsorship deals so he can travel to more ranking events throughout the year.

Berkshire IT solution experts Teneo, who are based in Theale Lakes Business Park, have already pledged to sponsor Marcus to help him realise his Wimbledon dream.

They have given him £1,000, which should be enough to help him attend two tournaments.

CEO Piers Carey explained: "Tim Davis (a Teneo employee) knows Marcus well and he is very passionate about the sport.

"Marcus is obviously someone who has a great chance to make an impact on a national and even international stage, but he needs a bit of a helping hand to achieve that.

"We are in a privileged position that we are able to help him out and we are glad to do so.

"The thing that Marcus and Teneo both have in common is that we are both looking to rise up the rankings this year!"

Teneo account manager Davis played alongside Willis for Berkshire late last year and thinks the youngster is going places.

He said: "I have watched Marcus play since he was at Caversham when he was 16 and it is remarkable to see how much he is continuing to improve.

"He has a real mental toughness and just loves to compete, which is one of his greatest strengths.

"It is really unheard of for players of Marcus' standard to play at county level. But it just shows how much he loves the game and just loves to compete, whatever the prize."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Marcus can contact the Reading Chronicle sports desk: josullivan@berksmedia.co.uk.

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